Trump says US in ‘very deep’ negotiations with Hamas, calls for release of Israeli hostages
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Mr Donald Trump had promised a quick end to the war in Gaza during his presidential campaign but a resolution has been elusive.
PHOTO: EPA
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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said on Sept 5 that Washington was in “very deep” negotiations with Palestinian militant group Hamas and urged it to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
“We are in very deep negotiation with Hamas,” he told reporters, saying the situation will be “tough” and “nasty” if Hamas continues to hold the hostages.
“We said let them all out, right now let them all out. And much better things will happen for them but if you don’t let them all out, it’s going to be a tough situation, it’s going to be nasty,” he said, adding that Hamas was “asking for some things that are fine”.
He did not elaborate further.
Palestinian militants took over 250 hostages into Gaza after an October 2023 attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s ensuing assault on Gaza
Mr Trump had promised a quick end to the war in Gaza during his presidential campaign, but a resolution has been elusive. About 50 Israeli hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, with 20 thought to be still alive.
Hamas has said it would release some hostages for a temporary ceasefire, while Mr Trump has said repeatedly that he wants the release of all hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war in Gaza would end only if all hostages were released, Hamas was disarmed, Israel established security control over the enclave, and an alternative civilian administration was set up. Hamas is demanding an end to the war and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. REUTERS
