Trump Administration Issues Ultimatum to Hamas Over Hostage Release, Warns of "Severe Price"
The Trump administration, through its special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages, including dual U.S.-Israel citizen Edan Alexander, or face severe consequences. The ultimatum, delivered amidst ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, underscores the Trump administration’s unwavering stance on the hostage situation and its determination to hold Hamas accountable for its actions.
Witkoff’s statement, released Friday, accused Hamas of making "impractical" demands that have stalled progress towards extending the ceasefire and securing the release of the hostages. He emphasized that President Trump has been unequivocally clear: Hamas must release the hostages without delay or face a "severe price."
This warning follows a final ultimatum issued by Trump on March 6, reiterating his demand for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Trump’s message was unambiguous: failure to comply would result in dire repercussions, with the phrase "HELL TO PAY LATER!" underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In an effort to break the deadlock and pave the way for a more sustainable ceasefire, Witkoff, together with Eric Trager, the National Security Council’s senior director for the Middle East, presented a "bridge" proposal during meetings in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. The proposal aimed to extend the existing ceasefire beyond the Ramadan and Passover holidays, creating a window for further negotiations towards a permanent resolution to the conflict.
The core of the "bridge" proposal centered on the release of living hostages in exchange for prisoners held by Israel, adhering to previously established formulas. This exchange, according to Witkoff, would be accompanied by an extension of the ceasefire, allowing for the resumption of much-needed humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.
The proposal was conveyed to Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries, with a clear message that the "bridge" needed to be implemented swiftly and that the immediate release of Edan Alexander was a non-negotiable condition. Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israel citizen, has been held hostage by Hamas since the October 7 attack.
However, Witkoff expressed disappointment that Hamas had responded to the proposal by publicly expressing flexibility while simultaneously making demands that he characterized as "entirely impractical" without a permanent ceasefire agreement in place. He accused Hamas of making a "very bad bet that time is on its side," asserting that this was a miscalculation.
Witkoff emphasized that Hamas is fully aware of the deadline set by the Trump administration and should anticipate a response if the deadline passes without the hostages being released. While he did not explicitly detail the nature of the response, the reference to a "severe price" and "HELL TO PAY LATER!" suggests that the Trump administration is prepared to take decisive action.
The ultimatum to Hamas reflects the Trump administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, characterized by a strong emphasis on Israel’s security and a willingness to confront Hamas directly. The administration has consistently condemned Hamas’s actions, including the October 7 attack, and has demanded the unconditional release of all hostages.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the outcome of the ultimatum is uncertain. However, the Trump administration’s clear and forceful stance underscores its commitment to securing the release of the hostages and holding Hamas accountable for its actions. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Hamas will heed the warning and take steps to de-escalate the situation, or whether the region will face further escalation and potential conflict.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many countries urging Hamas to release the hostages and engage constructively in negotiations towards a lasting ceasefire. The United States has also been working with its allies in the region to exert pressure on Hamas and facilitate the release of the hostages.
The fate of the hostages remains paramount, and the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to their release is evident in its latest ultimatum. However, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, and the ultimate outcome will depend on the decisions made by Hamas in the coming days. The world watches with bated breath as the deadline approaches, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this critical situation.
