US President Donald Trump said Washington is holding “very deep” negotiations with Hamas. He urged the group to release all hostages in Gaza. Trump warned the situation would turn “tough” and “nasty” if hostages were not freed soon.
Trump told reporters that Hamas was demanding certain things that he considered acceptable. However, he did not give details about the group’s requests. He stressed that releasing hostages immediately could open the door to better opportunities for Hamas. His comments signaled growing US pressure on the Palestinian group.
The October 2023 Hamas attack killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to over 250 hostages being taken to Gaza. Since then, Israel has launched a massive assault on Gaza. The offensive has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly the entire population. International courts and rights groups have accused Israel of genocide and war crimes, which Israel denies.
The Israeli military says it now controls 40 percent of Gaza City and plans to expand operations. About 50 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with around 20 believed alive. Hamas has indicated it may release some hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Trump, however, insists on the release of all hostages without conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined strict conditions for ending the war. He said all hostages must be released, Hamas disarmed, Israel must secure control of Gaza, and a new civilian administration established. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to demand a complete Israeli withdrawal and a permanent end to the war.