President Donald Trump has issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas, telling the Palestinian group to accept a deal to release hostages still held in Gaza.
“The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. This is my last warning,” Mr Trump wrote on social media late Sunday. He did not specify what the consequences would be if his demand was ignored.
Hamas responded within hours, saying it was prepared to “immediately sit at the negotiating table.” The group said it had received “ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.”
White House officials have not confirmed details of the proposal. Axios reported last week that envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new plan to Hamas covering both hostages and a potential ceasefire. Mr Trump later hinted at progress, telling reporters: “We had some very good discussions. Good things could happen. I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon.”
This is not the first time Mr Trump has set out stark terms. In March, he demanded Hamas release all hostages and return the bodies of those killed, warning the group it would be “over” otherwise.
Israeli families of captives welcomed the latest intervention. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described it as “a true breakthrough.”
Hamas gunmen captured 251 people during the October 7, 2023 assault on Israel. Israeli officials believe 47 remain in Gaza, 25 of them dead. Families of the missing have pleaded for their return as the conflict grinds on.
Escalation in Gaza City
The political statements came as Israel stepped up its military campaign. On Sunday, air strikes hit the Al-Roya residential tower in Gaza City, the third high-rise destroyed in as many days.
Witness Mohammed Al-Nazli described the blast as feeling “like an earthquake.” Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 48 deaths in the latest bombardment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the army was “deepening” its assault, accusing Hamas of using civilian buildings for military purposes. He said about 100,000 residents had already left the city but accused militants of preventing more evacuations.
The strikes have intensified international concerns over the humanitarian situation. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to Gaza’s health ministry figures cited by the United Nations. Most of the victims are civilians.
The October 7 attack by Hamas left 1,219 people dead in Israel, nearly all of them civilians. Israel’s campaign since has levelled large parts of Gaza, with aid agencies warning of mass displacement, shortages of food, and overwhelmed hospitals.
Inside Israel, protesters have also voiced anger. Demonstrators gathered on Saturday urging the government to halt its assault on Gaza City, fearing the hostages’ lives will be put at greater risk.
With both battlefield escalation and political pressure mounting, the question of whether Hamas will accept Washington’s proposal — and whether it can bring relief to those still trapped — remains unanswered.
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