Hamas has issued a sharp response to President-elect Donald Trump's ultimatum regarding the release of hostages in Gaza, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing progress in negotiations.
Trump warned on Monday that if the hostages held by Hamas are not freed by his January 20, 2025, inauguration, "there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity."
In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim suggested that Trump's remarks were indirectly aimed at Netanyahu's government rather than Hamas itself, according to Newsweek. "Since the beginning of this genocide, Hamas has publicly announced and been active in seeking a permanent ceasefire to end the Israeli aggression against our people; a deal which would have included a full prisoners' exchange,"
Naim said. He added, "At many times, we were extremely close to signing on a deal, but due to [Netanyahu's] savage actions and decisions, these deals broke down."
Naim further accused Netanyahu of using the hostage negotiations as a political tool to serve personal and ideological interests. He asserted that Hamas remained committed to the terms of a U.N.-backed resolution passed in June, which both Hamas and Israel had agreed to in principle but have since interpreted differently.
Netanyahu responded positively to Trump's strong rhetoric, expressing appreciation for his focus on Hamas. "President Trump put the emphasis in the right place, on Hamas, and not on the Israeli government, as is customary [elsewhere]," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
He added that Trump's stance strengthened Israel's efforts to secure the release of hostages. "This adds another force to our continued effort to release all the hostages. Thank you, President Trump."
The escalating exchange highlights the complexity of the hostage situation in Gaza. While Trump's declaration has raised the stakes, Netanyahu's government has been firm in its approach, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for intensified pressure on Hamas. "This is the way to bring back the hostages: by increasing the pressure and the costs for Hamas and its supporters, and defeating them, rather than giving in to their absurd demands," Smotrich said, as reported by Reuters.
