Truce on a knife-edge

HAMAS: US PRESIDENT'S THREATS OF DEATH TO GAZA ENCOURAGES ISRAEL

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Donald Trump's threats will encourage Israel to disregard the fragile ceasefire, according to Hamas yesterday, after the US president said that unless hostages are freed, the people of Gaza will be “dead”.

Trump's warning came hours after his administration revealed it held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, which it proscribes as a “terrorist” group, focused on American hostages in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel was consulted and said in a statement it “expressed its opinion” on the direct talks.

Trump said later he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” as his administration expedites billions of dollars in weapons.

“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,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform after meeting freed hostages.

“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”