Wed Mar 05 23:41:35 UTC 2025: ## Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas, Threatens Further Destruction of Gaza
**Washington, March 6, 2025** – President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Wednesday, threatening further destruction of Gaza unless all remaining hostages are released immediately. Backed by the expedited delivery of billions of dollars in weapons to Israel, Trump declared that he was giving Israel the resources to “finish the job.”
Trump’s statement follows a weekend end to the first phase of a ceasefire after six weeks of relative calm. While Israel seeks to extend the ceasefire, Hamas demands a transition to a permanent peace agreement. Israel has intensified pressure, halting all goods and supplies into Gaza, a move condemned internationally as using starvation as a weapon of war.
The President’s comments came after the US confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas regarding American hostages, a move that broke decades of US policy. Five Americans are believed to be among the remaining hostages, with four confirmed dead.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with at least 48,440 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement. Israel’s military campaign has been launched in response to the October 7th Hamas attacks, which left 1,218 dead, mostly civilians. France, Britain, and Germany have described the situation as catastrophic and urged Israel to allow unhindered aid delivery.
Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza and displace its population has been met with global condemnation. Arab leaders have countered with an alternative five-year, $53 billion reconstruction plan, but its feasibility remains uncertain. Despite the heavy losses sustained by Hamas, Israel’s military chief warned that the conflict is far from over. The situation remains tense, with a fragile ceasefire and the fate of the remaining hostages hanging in the balance.
First Piper 