President Trump speaking to reporters in February about Hamas (CSPAN video snippet)
President Trump speaking to reporters last month (CSPAN video snippet)

Trump Offers Hamas Ceasefire Extension for Hostage Release Deal

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The Judean Staff
National

In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, the Trump administration has reportedly proposed a groundbreaking deal to Hamas in an effort to secure the release of ten living hostages. A Palestinian source told Sky News Arabia on Thursday that the U.S. government has offered to extend the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by two months, reopen critical border crossings, and restore the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave—all in exchange for Hamas releasing ten Israeli captives.

While Hamas has yet to formally respond, sources indicate the group is carefully weighing its options amid intense pressure from both regional mediators and the international community.

A Historic Shift in U.S. Policy

Confirming the ongoing negotiations, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that the Trump administration is engaging in direct talks with Hamas—marking a sharp break from decades of U.S. policy that firmly rejected negotiations with terrorist organizations. This development follows reports that both U.S. Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff have participated in direct discussions with Hamas officials.

"Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the president has proven that he believes," Leavitt stated, underscoring Trump's willingness to engage with adversaries in pursuit of strategic goals.

Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy with Egypt and Qatar

According to two Egyptian sources speaking to Reuters, discussions on Wednesday night involved U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas leaders, and high-ranking mediators from Egypt and Qatar. These talks reportedly touched on not only the immediate ceasefire and hostage negotiations but also broader discussions about the governance of Gaza once the conflict subsides. Sources claim that American and Egyptian officials discussed potential leadership figures who could oversee Gaza’s post-war administration, signaling an evolving strategy for the Strip’s future.

Insiders familiar with the negotiations suggest that the discussions concluded on a "positive note," with indications that the ceasefire agreement is nearing its crucial second phase.

Trump’s Ultimatum: Release Hostages or Face Consequences

Despite these developments, tensions remain high. On Wednesday, President Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the "immediate and unconditional" release of all remaining hostages, including the remains of those who have perished in captivity.

"Release all of the hostages now, not later, or it is OVER for you," Trump declared, signaling that failure to comply could lead to devastating consequences for the group.

Hamas, however, remains defiant. In a text message to Reuters, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua asserted that the "best track to release the remaining Israeli prisoners is by the occupation going into the second phase and compelling it to adhere to the agreement signed under the sponsorship of mediators."

The Future of the Gaza Ceasefire

The Gaza ceasefire, which initially took effect in January, was the result of a complex diplomatic effort involving the, at the time, incoming Trump administration with remnants of the Biden administration. Under the agreement, Hamas was to release hostages in multiple phases, with the second phase designed to set the stage for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.

However, the expiration of the first phase on Saturday has led to renewed hostilities, with Israel imposing a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off all incoming goods and supplies. Israel has made it clear that it will not resume negotiations on ending the war unless Hamas releases the remaining hostages without preconditions.

As the world watches with bated breath, the fate of the ceasefire—and the captives—now hangs in the balance. Will Hamas accept Trump’s offer and move forward with a phased de-escalation? Or will they gamble on further resistance, risking severe retaliation? With diplomacy, brinkmanship, and the fate of countless lives at stake, the coming days will be critical in shaping the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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