'These threats complicate...': Hamas responds to Trump's hostage ultimatum
What's the story
Palestinian militant group Hamas has accused United States President Donald Trump of destabilizing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The group claimed that Trump's demand for immediate hostage release backs Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to renege on the deal.
"These threats complicate matters... and encourage [Israel] to avoid implementing its terms," said Hazem Qasim, a spokesperson for Hamas.
Hostage negotiations
Trump's ultimatum follows White House meeting with hostages
In his Truth Social message, Trump had warned Hamas to "release all of the hostages now...and immediately return all of the dead bodies...or it is OVER for you."
Trump's demand came aftre the US entered a direct negotiation with Hamas to release the remaining US hostages.
Israeli officials confirmed the talks but provided little details.
An Israeli statement said that "Israel has expressed to the US its position regarding direct talks with Hamas."
Negotiation focus
US-Hamas talks focus on freeing Israeli-American citizen
Reportedly, the US-Hamas discussions revolved around ensuring the release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American dual citizen still in Hamas's captivity.
It also involved securing the return of the remains of four other Israeli-Americans abducted in Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
Hamas still holds 49 hostages, but Israeli intelligence believes more than half of them have died.
Aid pledge
US breaks tradition, engages in direct talks with Hamas
The direct talks are a major shift from the US's usual policy of not engaging in direct talks with terrorist organizations.
Although, exceptions have been made in the past, including negotiations with the Taliban under both Obama and Trump administrations.
When asked about the talk with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Adam Boehler, Trump's choice for hostage envoy, is authorized to engage in these discussions and that Israel was consulted on this matter.