By COLlive reporter
U.S. President Donald Trump has lost patience with Hamas terrorists resisting negotiations to release the remaining Israeli hostages they have taken on October 7, 2023.
On Wednesday, Trump hosted in the Oval Office of the White House a group of 8 Israelis who were released from captivity in Gaza.
Trump has watched the testimony of one of them on television and then asked to meet them. When they were released, he noted how similar they resembled the malnourished Holocaust survivors after the Second World War.
“The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
According to Israel News 13 TV journalist Neria Kraus, this is how some of the conversation went.
Omer Shem Tov: “My family and, I, believe G-d has sent you to release us. You really helped. You have the power to do it.”
Naama Levy: “You were our hope, and now you’re the hope of the rest of the hostages.”
Trump: “So you didn’t think I came along that you’re gonna get out?”
Naama: “No. Once you were elected, we heard that you wanted to do everything to make a deal asap”.
Trump: “Well, we said you better let them out. Something happened. We’re gonna get the rest of them. We’re working on it very hard.”
Phase one of the hostages deal, brokered by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, has Hamas release living and the bodies of killed hostages in exchange for Israel allowing terrorists and other Palestinian prisoners to go free. So far, Hamas has refused to approve a second phase.
The White House confirmed on Wednesday that administration officials had been holding direct talks with Hamas to secure the release of at least some hostages, Axios reported.
Hamas is still holding 59 hostages in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed 35 are dead. Israeli intelligence believes 22 are still alive, and the status of two others is unknown.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, Trump write the following on social media:
“Shalom Hamas” means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!
I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!
For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
“‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am… pic.twitter.com/88EjVAyWAe
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 5, 2025
It’s up to BB to actually do something as he should have done from October 8th Israel should not make the same mistake they made in 90s
From what I understand, Israel will be likely back to fighting in days. There’s also a new Chief of Staff, who means serious business.
It’s in Hashem’s Hands 🙂
Thank Gd
last warning to do nothing