Tensions in the ongoing Gaza conflict have escalated as Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has rejected calls to release additional Israeli hostages unless a second phase of a ceasefire agreement is secured.
This development comes in the wake of a stern warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who demanded the immediate release of the remaining hostages, threatening severe consequences if his ultimatum was ignored.
According to a Fox News report published on March 6, 2025, Hamas dismissed Trump’s “last warning” issued via his Truth Social platform, where he stated, “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” and promised Israel “everything it needs to finish the job.”
Despite this pressure, Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua emphasized that the group would only proceed with hostage releases as part of negotiations tied to a lasting ceasefire.
“The best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages is through negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire agreement,” al-Qanoua said, signaling Hamas’s firm stance on linking hostage releases to broader diplomatic progress.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days and concluded on Saturday, saw some hostages released as part of an initial agreement.
However, the transition to Phase 2—intended to begin in early February—has stalled, with only limited preparatory talks held so far.
Reuters reported on March 4, 2025, that Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed readiness to move forward with the second phase, contingent on Hamas agreeing to release more of the 59 hostages still in its custody.
Israel has also indicated a willingness to extend the ceasefire framework, but only with a clear commitment on the hostage issue.
The deadlock has intensified following Trump’s recent engagement with the conflict.
After meeting with eight former hostages in Washington, the president doubled down on his rhetoric, warning Gaza’s population of dire consequences if the hostages were not freed.
“RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” he wrote on Truth Social, as cited by Fox News.
This followed reports that Israel had agreed to a temporary ceasefire extension proposal from a Trump envoy as the first phase expired, suggesting a potential window for de-escalation that has yet to materialize.
