On Thursday, President Donald Trump was questioned about his latest demand to Hamas, where he asserted that “somebody’s going to have to get a lot rougher” with the terrorist group.
During a discussion with the press in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about comments made by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, suggesting that if Hamas refuses to release hostages, the US and Israel may take action, including military measures. Trump’s response was firm, saying, “Well, you’re going to find out,” before adding, “I had the honor of spending a lot of time yesterday with quite a few of the people that we got out, and I can’t believe how badly treated they were, really badly treated. Stories that you wouldn’t even believe. Some of it was documented. And it’s a shame.”

Trump went on to emphasize that while President Biden’s efforts had not been successful in securing the release of any hostages, his administration had been more effective. “Look, Biden wasn’t able to get anybody out. We came along and they started releasing. But we have 59 [hostages] left, of which 24 are living. The rest are dead. And I put out a statement, it’s sort of self-explanatory, I think, but somebody’s going to have to get a lot rougher than they’re getting. It’s a shame,” he said.
Trump also shared that the hostages he had met with on Wednesday conveyed the difficult condition of the 24 survivors. He explained that these hostages were “in very bad shape.”
In addition, Trump acknowledged the direct talks his administration had been having with Hamas, confirming, “We are having discussions with Hamas. We are helping Israel in those discussions, because we’re talking about Israeli hostages.”
Following his meeting with the freed hostages, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages, saying, “or it is over for you.”
Last month, Trump had already issued a stark warning to Hamas, threatening significant consequences if the hostages were not released, declaring, “all hell is going to break out.”
This threat was made after Hamas announced it would delay a scheduled release of hostages, accusing Israel of breaching the terms of the agreement.
However, Hamas later made an official statement affirming the continuation of the ceasefire agreement, as initially planned.

{Matzav.com}