U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a statement on Hamas and the Gaza hostages.
Relevant background and historical context Trump warning Hamas
The horrific attack led by Hamas on 7 October 2023 added a dark chapter to the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict. More than 1,219 Israelis were killed in this attack and 251 people were taken hostage and taken to the Gaza Strip, but these hostages included men, women, children and the elderly. Also, the youngest hostage was a mere 9-month-old infant. Even after more than two years have passed, 48 hostages are still in Hamas custody in Gaza. Of which 25 are feared dead. Also, the roots of this conflict between Israel and Hamas are decades old. And from 1967 till now, 7,50,000 to 10,00,000 Palestinians have been arrested by Israel.
As of October 2023, there were 5,200 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Which also included 170 minors. But Hamas has always demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. Which is also considered a violation of international law as well as a war crime.
Detailed description of Trump’s last warning
On September 7, 2025, US President Donald Trump posted an important message on his social media platform Truth Social. But he wrote that the Israelis have accepted my conditions. Also, now the time has come for Hamas to accept them too. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. Also, this is my last warning. There will be no second warning. Also, Trump shed more light on the matter while speaking to reporters in the Washington area after a brief visit to New York. And he said that they are working on a solution that could be very good. And that soon you will hear about it. Trump also expressed optimism and said that he thinks he will be able to bring back all the hostages but admitted that some hostages may have already died and his goal is to get their bodies back.
Hamas’ response and its demands
Hamas issued a response just hours after Trump’s ‘final warning’. Also said that it has received some ideas from the United States through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement and is discussing ways to develop these ideas. And Hamas also reiterated in its statement that it is ready for a clear declaration of the end of the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in exchange for releasing all the hostages. And the statement issued by Hamas said that Hamas welcomes any initiative that helps in efforts to stop aggression against our people. We confirm our readiness to sit down immediately at the negotiating table to make a clear declaration of the end of the war in exchange for the release of all prisoners, a complete withdrawal from Gaza and the formation of a committee of Palestinian independents that will immediately begin its work
Israel’s position and military action
Just after Trump’s warning, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also issued an ultimatum to Hamas. Katz posted on the social media platform X but it is a final warning to Hamas murderers and rapists staying in luxury hotels in Gaza and abroad. Release the hostages and put down your weapons or else Gaza will be destroyed and you will be destroyed. The Israeli Defense Minister also said that the IDF continues as per the plan and is preparing to expand its campaign to defeat Gaza decisively. Also in August, Katz had warned that if Hamas does not accept Israel’s conditions. But all the gates of hell will open on the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists and Gaza City may be doomed like Rafah and Beit Hanoun.
Key facts of Israeli military action on Trump warning Hamas
Date Event Result 5 September Two residential high-rises in Gaza City destroyed Israel claims Hamas used them as observation points 6 September Attacks on residential buildings continued Other buildings destroyed and 7 September Bombing of Al-Ro’aya tower At least 48 people killed Hostage situation and humanitarian crisis Since 251 hostages were taken by Hamas in October 2023, 148 hostages have been returned alive to Israel. Also, 105 of these hostages were released in the 2023 ceasefire Five hostages were released by Hamas outside any ceasefire agreement but eight hostages were rescued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and 30 hostages were released in the 2025 ceasefire.
International response and role on Trump warning Hamas
Several countries have played a mediation role in the Gaza crisis, including Qatar. The United States has also played an active role. And White House envoy Steve Witkoff last week sent Hamas a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire agreement. The Israeli campaign group The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the US president’s latest intervention as a true breakthrough. The group has been working with the families of the hostages and advocating for their release.
Organizations like the American Jewish Committee (AJC) have also worked to maintain pressure to ensure the hostages’ release. The AJC has documented more than 50 hostage rescues. Trump has advocated closely with all parties involved in the peace talks, and this during their visits to the United States and Europe – to keep their stories front of mind for officials at the highest levels of leadership across society, including more than 200 members of Congress, multiple national media outlets, the U.S. State Department, and major U.S. administration officials.
Future Prospects and Conclusion Trump warning Hamas
After Trump’s ‘ultimatum’ and Hamas’ positive response, the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages has increased. But many challenges still remain. Israel has not agreed to end the war or fully withdraw from Gaza. At the same time, Hamas is not willing to compromise without these conditions. Trump has also said that he hopes to reach an agreement on Gaza soon and he told reporters that we had some very good discussions. Good things can happen.
But I think we are going to have an agreement on Gaza very soon. But Trump has previously issued similar warnings to Hamas and predicted the war would be over soon. Also in March 2025, he issued a similar ultimatum to Hamas, demanding that it free all remaining hostages immediately and turn over bodies of dead hostages but adding that if this was not done, it was over for you.
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