The Palestinian militant group Hamas has rejected a “last warning” issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump demanded that Hamas release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and leave the region.
In a statement to Reuters on Thursday, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said, “Trump’s threat against our people shows his support for (Israeli Prime Minister) Netanyahu, allowing him to avoid implementing the ceasefire agreement and strengthen policies that keep our people hungry. The best way to free the remaining Israeli hostages is to move to the second phase of the ceasefire and force Israel, through mediators, to honor the agreement.”
On Wednesday, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth, stating, “This is your last warning! The time has come for the Hamas leadership to leave Gaza. You still have this opportunity.”
He also addressed the people of Gaza, saying, “A beautiful future awaits you, but not if you hold onto hostages. If you do so, you will be dead! Make a smart decision.”
A Palestinian resident told Al Jazeera, “We do not care about Trump’s threats. Our roots are in Gaza. Israel has destroyed my home, my neighborhood, everything, but I will not leave. I will stay here until death.”