Trump warned Hamas of dire consequences if it doesn't release hostages - militant group hits back

Hamas said US President Donald Trump's repeated threats against the Palestinians constituted support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw from the Gaza ceasefire and intensify the siege of the country.

It is reported that Trump demanded that Hamas "release all hostages now, not later."

In a message to Reuters, Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua said: "The best way to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is for the occupation to enter the second phase and force it to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of the mediators."

The Gaza ceasefire agreement, which came into effect in January, was negotiated with Trump's envoy participating alongside envoys from the outgoing Biden administration, writes Reuters, the Telegraph reports.

He calls for the remaining hostages to be released in a second phase, during which final plans for ending the war will be negotiated.

Read too Trump warns Hamas: Release hostages, or leave Gaza - this is your last chance to escape alive

The first phase of the ceasefire reportedly ended on Saturday, and Israel has since imposed a total blockade on all goods entering Gaza, demanding that Hamas release the remaining hostages before beginning negotiations to end the war.

Palestinians say the blockade could lead to the starvation of 2.3 million people living in the rubble of Gaza.

Trump made his new threats after a meeting at the White House on Wednesday with a group of hostages who had been released in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

"I am sending Israel everything it needs to get the job done, no member of Hamas will be safe unless you do as I say," Trump said.

“Also, to the people of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits you, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a smart decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR YOU WILL PAY LATER!” /Telegraph/