‘Deep negotiations with Hamas’: Donald Trump urges release of Israeli hostages; warns of ‘nasty’ situation if not freed

US President Donald Trump on Friday (native time) mentioned that Washington is holding “very deep” negotiations with Hamas and pressed the group to release all hostages being held in Gaza.“We are in very deep negotiation with Hamas,” Trump informed reporters. The US President urged Hamas to release all Israeli hostages instantly, cautioning that failure to take action would result in a “tough and nasty” situation. The feedback come after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed in August that Trump would chair a White House assembly to debate a “comprehensive plan” for Gaza’s post-war administration. This marked Witkoff’s first disclosure of a US plan for Gaza’s post-war administration., information company ANI reported quoting The Times of Israel. “Many people were going to see how robust it was and how well-meaning it was, and it reflected President Trump’s humanitarian motives,” Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News. Witkoff reiterated that the administration opposes partial hostage agreements in Gaza. Trump had also backed this stance earlier. In a post on Truth Social on August 18, hours after Hamas accepted Arab mediators’ latest proposal, he said hostages should only be freed after Hamas was dismantled. The White House, however, said it was reviewing the phased proposal.Despite Hamas’ acceptance of the 60-day deal, Witkoff accused the group of delaying negotiations, saying they only shifted position under pressure from Israel. “It was Hamas who mentioned they accepted that deal, and I feel largely they mentioned that and adjusted their thoughts as a result of the Israelis had been placing some very intense strain on them,” he mentioned within the Fox information interview.Israel did not settle for the proposal and has continued its floor offensive as half of a wider Gaza evacuation plan.According to Gaza’s civil defence, Israeli strikes have killed at the very least 61 folks since Monday morning, together with seven civilians ready for support.Officials mentioned greater than 1,000 buildings in Gaza City had been destroyed since August 6, trapping lots of beneath rubble whereas ongoing shelling and highway blockages hampered rescue and reduction work.The remarks additionally observe Trump’s ultimatum earlier this week. On Wednesday, he demanded the fast release of all 20 hostages in Hamas’ custody.“Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!” he wrote on a Truth Social publish.