Trump's Threats Complicate Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

Hamas has responded critically to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threats aimed at the group, asserting that his statements complicate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and encourage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a harder stance. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem emphasized that the U.S. is a broker of the existing ceasefire deal, which includes phased hostage releases, and called for U.S. pressure on Israel to advance negotiations. In his ultimatum, Trump demanded the immediate release of hostages, warning Hamas that failure to comply would result in dire consequences, while also stating he was providing Israel with the resources needed to continue its military actions. Hamas officials argue that such threats only empower Netanyahu's aggressive tactics and threaten the fragile ceasefire. The situation escalates as both sides prepare for potential conflict, with Hamas citing significant casualties among Palestinians during the ongoing Israeli offensive. Israeli and U.S. officials are reportedly engaged in discussions to navigate the complexities of the hostage situation and ceasefire negotiations, marking a rare direct channel with Hamas since its designation as a terrorist organization in 1997.