President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza, this move comes after Trump met with eight former hostages who were recently freed as part of a ceasefire agreement, in a statement on Truth Social Trump warned Hamas that if they do not comply "it is OVER for you" and threatened severe consequences including military action by Israel.
The current crisis began with a Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023, resulting in the capture of numerous Israeli hostages, a ceasefire was negotiated in January 2025, facilitating the release of some hostages and Palestinian detainees, but Hamas still holds 59 hostages with 22 believed to be alive and two others status unknown among these are five American citizens, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander who is thought to be alive.
Trump's ultimatum is his latest attempt to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages. He described his message as a "last warning" stating that Hamas leaders should leave Gaza while they still can and that no member of Hamas would be safe if they fail to comply, Trump also addressed the people of Gaza, urging them to make a "smart decision" and release the hostages to avoid severe repercussions.
The United States has traditionally avoided direct talks with organizations it labels as terrorist organizations, but the urgency of securing the release of American hostages has prompted the White House to confirm that it is now holding direct talks with Hamas, marking a significant shift in American policy.
As part of its strategy to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages and agreeing to a ceasefire extension, Israel has stopped delivering humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas refused to extend the ceasefire. The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not permit aid into Gaza until Hamas complies with its demands.
South Africa has condemned Israel's continued military actions in the West Bank and its reluctance to permit supplies into Gaza, bringing the matter to the attention of the world. Due to the terrible living circumstances in Gaza and the continuous military operations in both Gaza and the West Bank, the conflict still presents serious humanitarian concerns.
