U.S. President: The Government is Negotiating with Hamas for the Release of Hostages

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his administration is "engaged in talks with Hamas" for the release of hostages held in Gaza. He stated, "We are talking to Hamas. We are helping Israel in these negotiations, as the issue of Israeli hostages is at stake, but we are not taking any action against Hamas. We are not paying any money." According to CNN, Trump added, "Negotiation is necessary. There is a difference between negotiation and payment. We want to get these individuals [out of Gaza]." Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for Middle East affairs, told reporters at the White House that discussions between the U.S. government and Hamas "have recently taken place." When Trump was asked what actions the U.S. would take if the remaining hostages are not released, he told reporters, "You will find out," but added that someone must deal with them much more severely than Hamas has experienced so far. Trump also stated, "Well, you will find out. I have issued a statement that I think is quite clear. But someone must act much more severely than this. It is regrettable." The U.S. President threatened Hamas on Wednesday night, stating that if the remaining hostages in Gaza are not released and the bodies of hostages held by this group are not returned, they will face painful consequences. He further stated to the Islamist group Hamas, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, "Only sick and deviant individuals hold onto bodies, and you are sick and deviant!" According to informed sources, Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostages, has received authorization from the White House to negotiate directly with Hamas and has held meetings with the leaders of this group in Doha in recent weeks. Trump’s threatening message to Hamas; painful consequences await you. Marco Rubio: Hamas should take the U.S. President's threats seriously. The White House confirmed reports about secret negotiations between the U.S. and Hamas. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army: This year is the year of war in Gaza and Iran.