President Donald Trump issued a Trump Hamas ultimatum on Saturday, demanding the group return the remains of deceased hostages within 48 hours or face action from nations involved in a regional peace deal.
Trump Issues Hamas Ultimatum for Hostage Remains
President Trump stated that Hamas must return the bodies “quickly, or the other countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action.” The demand comes after all living hostages were returned from Gaza, but the remains of 13 deceased hostages have not been handed over.
Trump acknowledged that while “some of the bodies are hard to reach,” others can be returned now. “Perhaps it has to do with their disarming, but when I said, ‘Both sides would be treated fairly,’ that only applies if they comply with their obligations,” he said.
The president emphasized the Trump 48 hour deadline for his warning. He added, “Let’s see what they do over the next 48 hours.
I am watching this very closely.”
U.S. Officials Meet With Families of Deceased Hostages
The ultimatum followed a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra.
The two U.S. citizens were killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and their remains are still held by Hamas.
“We will not forget the lives of the hostages who died in the captivity of Hamas,” Rubio stated. He affirmed the U.S. commitment, saying, “We will not rest until their—and all—remains are returned.“
Ambassador Huckabee described Rubio’s visit to Israel as “very productive in moving forward” with diplomatic efforts concerning the issue.
Gaza Peace Plan Conditions Hinge on Returns
The return of all hostages, both living and deceased, is a key component of the U.S.-brokered Gaza peace plan. Officials have stated the plan cannot move forward until Hamas releases the Itay Chen Omer Neutra remains and those of the other deceased hostages.
Chen was a 19-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, while Neutra was a 21-year-old American-Israeli from New York. Both were killed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
On Saturday, Trump also met with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The meeting occurred aboard Air Force One during a refueling stop at Al-Udeid Air Base.
Trump Praises Qatari Leaders Amid Negotiations
President Trump praised the Qatari leadership, whose country has played a significant role in negotiations. He called the Emir “one of the great rulers of the world” and described the Prime Minister as his friend.
Reflecting on the wider diplomatic efforts, Trump remarked on his administration’s achievements. “What we’ve done is incredible — peace in the Middle East,” he said.
