President Donald Trump issued what sounds like a final ultimatum to the Hamas terror group over hostages still being held 17 months after the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.
Israel has been waging a military campaign to eradicate terrorists in the Gaza Strip as a response to the attack and in order to prevent future attacks. While many of the original 251 hostages were released, the terror group still holds about 59. The Israeli Defense Forces believe that of those, 32 are dead.
‘Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!’
On Wednesday the president issued his ultimatum in a statement on Truth Social.
“’Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose,” Trump wrote.
“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,” he added “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
He went on to say that he had just met with former hostages after a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended on Saturday.
“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he continued. “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.”
Trump had previously suggested that the U.S. could take over the Gaza Strip, remove the Palestinians to other lands, and then renovate the area to make it a paradise that many people could enjoy. Pro-Palestinian advocates called the proposal “ethnic cleansing” and angrily denounced Trump.
“RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” Trump concluded.
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