Hamas has threatened to kill the remaining Israeli hostages if there is any military escalation in Gaza, following a stalled ceasefire and a direct warning from US President Donald Trump. The terrorist group accused Israel of 'bullying, stalling, and reckless aggression' and said threats of renewed war would not secure the captives' release.
Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a recorded message on Thursday that the group is 'fully prepared for all possible scenarios'. He warned families of hostages that Hamas holds proof of life for those still alive, and that 'any escalation of aggression against our people will result in the killing of enemy captives'.
The threat came after Trump declared on Wednesday that he was giving Hamas a 'last warning' to release all hostages and return the bodies of those killed. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: '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 also told Hamas leaders to leave Gaza 'now while you still have a chance'.
There are believed to be up to 24 living hostages remaining in Gaza, with at least another 35 dead, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House confirmed direct talks with Hamas as part of efforts to secure the release of captives.
Hamas rejected Trump's ultimatum, with Ubaida accusing Israel of seeking 'an American green light to escalate its aggression'. He added: 'Israeli threats of war will bring them nothing but failure and will not lead to the release of their captives.'
