Donald Trump (AP image)
US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said 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 told reporters. The US President urged Hamas to release all Israeli hostages immediately, cautioning that failure to do so would lead to a “tough and nasty” situation. The comments come after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed in August that Trump would chair a White House meeting to discuss a “comprehensive plan” for Gaza’s post-war management. This marked Witkoff’s first disclosure of a US plan for Gaza’s post-war management., news agency 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 said they accepted that deal, and I think in large part they said that and changed their mind because the Israelis were putting some very intense pressure on them,” he said in the Fox news interview.Israel did not accept the proposal and has continued its ground offensive as part of a wider Gaza evacuation plan.According to Gaza’s civil defence, Israeli strikes have killed at least 61 people since Monday morning, including seven civilians waiting for aid.Officials said more than 1,000 buildings in Gaza City had been destroyed since August 6, trapping hundreds under rubble while ongoing shelling and road blockages hampered rescue and relief work.The remarks also follow Trump’s ultimatum earlier this week. On Wednesday, he demanded the immediate 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 post.
