Hamas remains defiant. Donald Trump’s threat to end all talks if Israeli hostages are not released has made little impact. In a new statement, the militant group reiterated that the release of the hostages is contingent on a permanent ceasefire and an agreement that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners. The framework established in the January deal remains firm.
Trump’s remarks are not an isolated incident. For months, the White House has been pressuring Hamas to release the 24 Israeli hostages still in its custody, including Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American. Additionally, the group holds 34 bodies, including those of Israeli soldiers killed in 2014. Hamas’ response is clear: hostages will not be released under threat but only through negotiations—a process that was supposed to begin in February but has been stymied by both sides’ reluctance to engage in meaningful talks.
The U.S. president has accused the Palestinian militants of “being sick and depraved” for holding onto the victims’ bodies. This was followed by an even sharper declaration: “Release all hostages now, or it will be the end for you.” But Hamas, for now, has no intention of yielding. Instead, it has rejected the U.S. proposal for the second phase of the agreement: the immediate release of half of the hostages, followed by another exchange once a permanent ceasefire is reached.
Israel has also ramped up the pressure. The Jewish state suspended the supply of essential goods, including food, fuel, and medicine, in an attempt to force Hamas into a compromise. Israel has threatened further “consequences” if the hostages are not released.
The war in Gaza has left devastating marks. Over 48,000 Palestinians have died, the majority of them women and children. Israel claims the deaths of over 17,000 fighters, though no official evidence has been provided. The Israeli offensive has reduced Gaza to rubble, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to live in dire conditions. Tents, schools turned into shelters, and destroyed buildings are some of the tangible signs of the humanitarian crisis that the international community is trying to address.
Meanwhile, Egypt has announced the organization of an international conference to raise funds for Gaza’s reconstruction. The goal is to raise $53 billion for a five-year recovery plan, but the success of this initiative is heavily contingent on the worsening political and diplomatic situation.
Trump’s statements and the ongoing diplomatic developments only complicate the situation further. The proposed second phase of the Hamas agreement lacks support, and direct negotiations between the U.S. and the militant group—confirmed by a U.S. government source to Axios—could undermine Israel’s position, which has long sought to limit any form of Hamas legitimization. The outlook remains grim. The war seems set to continue, along with the suffering of the civilian population.
