Report: President Trump says HAMAS ready to pay the price if it does not release the… See more

President Trump has urged Hamas to immediately release all of the people it is holding hostage in Gaza – threatening to pay the price if it does not release the rest.

He also called on Hamas to withdraw from the Palestinian territories and warned the people of Gaza that they would face death if the people held by Hamas were not released.

Trump issued a warning to Hamas in a message he posted on his social media account, saying he would make Israel complete the work it had begun to destroy Hamas.

Trump’s warning comes as the White House confirmed that it is in talks with Hamas to release individuals the group is protecting.

He said Hamas would face consequences if it did not release the remaining detainees, but did not specify what kind of assistance it would provide to Israel.

The United States has for some time avoided negotiating with Hamas, especially as part of the country’s foreign policy of avoiding talks with a group that the United States has designated as a terrorist organization.

Trump warned Hamas leaders to leave Gaza, along with a warning to civilians, saying a bright future awaits them but that if the hostages are not released, they will face death.

This is not the first time Trump has threatened Hamas. In December, he said the group would face consequences if it did not release detainees after his inauguration.

Food prices have risen after Israel suspended the import of aid.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that talks are underway with Hamas to release individuals held by the group.

She said Israel was consulted before the talks began.

A Palestinian source confirmed to the BBC that talks had taken place between Hamas and US officials.

Israel says there are still 59 people being held by Hamas in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Americans are among those arrested.