US President Donald Trump on Sunday declared that he was giving Hamas a “last warning,” insisting the group must accept terms for a hostage release deal in Gaza.
“The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to do the same. I have made clear the consequences of refusal. This is my last warning,” Trump posted on social media without providing further details.
Shortly after his remarks, Hamas issued a statement saying it was ready to “immediately sit at the negotiating table,” pointing to what it described as fresh ideas from Washington aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating hostage releases.
According to reports, White House envoy Steve Witkoff recently sent Hamas a new proposal for a combined ceasefire and hostage agreement. The White House has yet to disclose the specifics of that plan.
This is not the first time Trump has issued such an ultimatum. In early March, he demanded Hamas release all remaining hostages and hand over the bodies of those killed, warning, “if not, it is OVER for you.”
His renewed warning has been welcomed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli campaign group, which described the intervention as “a true breakthrough.”
Hamas fighters abducted 251 people during the October 7 2023 assault on Israel. Israeli authorities believe 47 are still being held in Gaza, with at least 25 confirmed dead. Israel continues to press for the return of their remains.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further on Sunday as Israeli warplanes struck a residential tower in Gaza City, the third such attack in consecutive days. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a broader push to “deepen” the military assault on the city.
Residents described the bombing of the Al Roya tower as powerful enough to “feel like an earthquake.” The Israeli military maintains the buildings targeted had been used by Hamas as observation posts.
Netanyahu also revealed that about 100000 residents had already fled Gaza City, accusing Hamas of blocking evacuations and using civilians as “human shields.”
The intensifying offensive has heightened fears of worsening humanitarian conditions. On Saturday, Israeli protesters rallied against the government decision to expand operations in Gaza City, voicing concern for the safety of hostages believed to be trapped there.
The October 7 attack left 1219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians, according to official figures. In response, Israel’s military campaign has so far killed at least 64368 Palestinians, the majority civilians, according to health ministry data in Hamas run Gaza, figures regarded as credible by the United Nations.
Due to restricted access and ongoing conflict, independent verification of the casualty figures remains difficult.
