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Hamas issued a stark warning Thursday that Donald Trump’s aggressive statements would undermine the delicate ceasefire, following the former president’s forceful declaration that hostage-holding terrorists would face death unless captives were released.

The remarks followed revelations that Trump’s administration conducted unprecedented direct discussions with Hamas, an organization the U.S. designates as terrorist, specifically regarding American hostages in Gaza.

A statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged Israel’s awareness of these discussions, confirming they had provided input on the direct communications.

“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social after meeting with freed hostages.

“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”

Trump further extended his message to Gaza’s residents, whose population has been almost entirely displaced by Israel’s military response to Hamas’ October attack: “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

Hamas representative Hazem Qasim responded that such rhetoric endangered the ceasefire agreement implemented January 19. “These threats complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourage the occupation to avoid implementing its terms,” Qasim stated, calling for American pressure on Israel to proceed with the ceasefire’s next phase.

The initial ceasefire phase concluded recently after six weeks of relative peace, during which Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. While Israel seeks to extend this phase until mid-April, Hamas insists on progressing to phase two, aimed at establishing permanent peace.

Israel has intensified its position and blocked aid deliveries to Gaza. Israel’s new military commander Eyal Zamir stated Wednesday, “Hamas has indeed suffered a severe blow, but it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet accomplished.”

European powers France, Britain, and Germany jointly described Gaza’s humanitarian situation as “catastrophic,” urging unrestricted aid access. South Africa accused Israel of weaponizing starvation through aid restrictions.

Gaza resident Abu Hammam al-Hasanat, 34, told AFP: “We lack drinking water. People are complaining of lack of water in general. We cannot get rid of the waste, which affects the groundwater.”

The unprecedented U.S.-Hamas talks involved hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler discussing American captives. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the communication, noting presidential authority to engage globally in America’s interests.

Despite classifying Hamas as terrorists since 1997, Leavitt emphasized the envoy’s broad authority to communicate. Five Americans remain captive, with four confirmed dead and one, Edan Alexander, presumed alive.

Official figures show 1,218 deaths from the initial attack, predominantly civilians, while Israel’s response has resulted in 48,440 Palestinian casualties, mostly civilians. Of 251 original hostages, 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 confirmed deceased.

Secretary Marco Rubio emphasized Trump’s commitment to his threats: “He doesn’t say these things and not mean it, as folks are finding out around the world. If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it.”

Trump’s suggestion to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” after relocating Palestinians sparked international criticism. Arab leaders proposed an alternative involving reconstruction funding and Palestinian Authority restoration.

European Council on Foreign Relations analyst Hugh Lovatt endorsed the Arab proposal as “far more realistic than what the Trump administration is proposing.”

However, Palestinian political analyst and former minister Ghassan Khatib expressed doubt: “It doesn’t make sense to expect Israel to drop the plan of Trump and to adopt the plan of the Arabs. There’s no chance.”