Trump Warns Hamas as US Holds Unprecedented Talks for Hostages

Washington Breaks Longstanding Taboo by Talking Directly with Terrorist Group

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WASHINGTON - The US broke a longstanding diplomatic taboo by holding secret talks with Hamas on securing the release of American hostages held in Gaza, sources told Reuters on March 5, while President Donald Trump warned of "hell to pay" should the Palestinian militant group not comply.

US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has the authority to talk directly with Hamas, the White House said when asked about the discussions, which broke with a decades-old policy of not negotiating with groups that the US has designated as terrorist groups.

Mr. Boehler and Hamas officials met in Doha in recent weeks, two sources briefed on the negotiations said. It was not clear who represented Hamas.

At the White House, Mr. Trump met a group of hostages who had been released recently under a Gaza ceasefire deal, and he issued a stark new threat against Hamas in a social media post. He demanded that Hamas "release all of the hostages now, not later," including the remains of dead hostages, "or it is OVER for you."

"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," he said.

"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!"

Mr. Trump's warning echoed his "hell to pay" threat before his Jan. 20 return to the White House, which was followed by the truce and hostage deal in mid-January he claimed credit for before then President Joe Biden left office.

Once again, Mr. Trump did not specify what action he might take if Hamas failed to comply.