"If you hold hostages, you are dead": Trump warns Hamas as US breaks diplomatic taboo with first-ever direct talks

The United States has broken a longstanding diplomatic taboo by holding secret talks with Hamas to negotiate the release of American hostages held in Gaza. These discussions represent a significant shift from the U.S.'s long-standing policy of not negotiating with groups it designates as terrorist organizations. Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, has been authorized to engage directly with Hamas in recent weeks, with meetings reportedly taking place in Doha, Qatar. It is unclear who represented Hamas in these talks.

President Donald Trump, in a social media post, issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages, including the bodies of those who have died. "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you," Trump wrote. He also promised to provide Israel with "everything it needs to finish the job," and threatened that no Hamas member would be safe if the group did not comply with the demands.

These unprecedented talks come amid ongoing efforts to extend a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Since January 19, fighting has paused, with Hamas releasing 33 Israeli hostages and Israel freeing 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, the hostage situation remains dire, with 59 hostages still held by Hamas. Israeli authorities have expressed concerns that fewer than half of the remaining hostages are alive.

The U.S. has also been working with Israeli officials and mediators from Qatar and Egypt to facilitate the release of hostages and negotiate the terms of a broader ceasefire agreement. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Boehler had the authority to hold direct talks with Hamas, and that Israel had been consulted about these negotiations. However, Israel's position on direct talks with Hamas remains unclear, with a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office indicating that the country had expressed its concerns to the U.S. about engaging with the militant group.

Hamas has confirmed that discussions with U.S. officials took place in Doha, though it remains unclear whether they will lead to a breakthrough in the ongoing hostage crisis. A Hamas official stated that several communications had taken place regarding American citizens who are hostages, both living and deceased. Meanwhile, Hamas has rejected proposals to extend the ceasefire, and the ongoing deadlock has led to increasing tensions, particularly as humanitarian aid to Gaza remains blocked.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the United Nations warning of severe consequences for Gaza’s population due to the disruption of aid. As diplomatic efforts continue, the U.S. is grappling with how to secure the release of American hostages while navigating the complexities of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The outcome of these direct talks with Hamas could have far-reaching implications for future U.S. policy and the stability of the region.