U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington is engaged in “very deep negotiations” with Hamas, urging the Palestinian militant group to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza.
“We are in very deep negotiation with Hamas,” Trump told reporters, warning that the situation would become “tough” and “nasty” if hostages were not freed. He added that Hamas was “asking for some things that are fine,” but did not provide details.
Hostage Crisis
Palestinian militants abducted more than 250 people during their October 2023 assault on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly 20 believed to be alive.
Hamas has indicated willingness to release some captives in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, while Trump has repeatedly called for the release of all hostages without conditions.
Wider Conflict
Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands, displaced the enclave’s entire population, and sparked genocide and war crimes accusations at international courts and by human rights groups.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists the war will only end if all hostages are freed, Hamas is disarmed, Israel secures control of Gaza, and a new civilian administration is established. Hamas demands a full end to the war and Israel’s withdrawal.
