Trump: “We’re in Deep Negotiations with Hamas” - Warns of Dire Consequences if Deal Fails

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday night that active negotiations are underway with Hamas over a potential deal to release hostages held in Gaza. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated:

“We are in deep negotiations with Hamas. I heard that some of the hostages died recently — I hope that’s not true.”

Trump emphasized that the United States demands the release of all living hostages, reportedly numbering around 20.

“We want all 20, we don’t want two,” he said firmly.

The president warned that failure to release the hostages would result in “a difficult situation — it will be terrible,” but also made clear that Israel holds the final say in any military or diplomatic outcome:

“Israel will make the decisions on this issue.”

"Hostage Demonstrations Complicate Military Strategy"

In unusually candid remarks, Trump addressed the domestic pressure inside Israel over the hostage crisis:

“I see big demonstrations in Israel about the hostages. It puts them in a difficult position. It’s hard to wage a war when people want 20 people back — and they want them back very badly.”

He added that the events of October 7, when Hamas launched its deadly surprise attack, must not be forgotten:

“People forget that, or maybe they intentionally forget that — but it needs to be brought into the equation.”

Israel Launches New Strike in Gaza City

Shortly after Trump's comments, Israeli fighter jets struck a building in Gaza City that the IDF says was used by Hamas as a terror stronghold, including tunnels used for ambushes and escape.

According to Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, the building was evacuated prior to the strike, but the area was surrounded by displaced persons' tents, and thousands were forced to flee.

Katz warned:

“IDF activity will increase until the Hamas murderers accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war — primarily the release of all hostages and disarmament.”

IDF Now Holds 40% of Gaza City

As of this week, IDF Spokesperson Efi Dufferin reported that Israeli forces now control 40% of Gaza City, with tens of thousands of reservists deployed to seize the Hamas stronghold.

However, internal IDF communications with hostage families painted a more troubling picture. Officers from the Prisoners of War and Missing Persons Division warned relatives that:

• The current operation increases the risk of hostages being harmed or disappearing beneath the ruins of Gaza.

• The military does not have accurate intelligence on the whereabouts of the hostages.

These concerns followed the publication of a new Hamas video showing hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel in Gaza City. Gilboa-Dalal stated that at least eight more hostages were being held in the city.

Jerusalem Skeptical of Hamas’ Latest Offer

Despite Hamas' announcement earlier this week that it is ready for a comprehensive deal to return all hostages and end the war, Israeli officials remain unconvinced.

A senior Israeli political source dismissed the statement, saying:

“This is a negligible incident. Hamas has already expressed this position in the past.”

The source also claimed that Hamas’s quick public response to Trump’s remarks was likely for propaganda purposes.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian source involved in the mediation told Haaretz that Trump’s announcement lacked operational weight, saying:

“It was a declaration, not a plan. The president must clarify what the end of the war means for the United States.”

Conclusion: Deal or Escalation?

With Gaza City under siege, international diplomatic pressure mounting, and the hostage families growing increasingly vocal, the next steps by the U.S., Israel, and Hamas could define the remainder of the war.

President Trump’s involvement, while significant, may be constrained by the lack of a clear framework for ending the war — a demand now coming not just from Hamas and mediators, but also from Israel’s own citizens.

 Hamas’ military wing released a new video showing kidnapped Israeli citizens Guy Gilboa, Dalal, and Alon Ohel being transported openly through the streets of Gaza City — a rare and provocative display seen as part of the organization’s ongoing psychological warfare campaign.

In the footage, Gilboa Dalal is seen driving a car through the city, stating that he is in Gaza City amid audible gunfire, drone activity, and crowds of Palestinian civilians. Later, Alon Ohel appears, entering the vehicle and emotionally embracing Gilboa Dalal.

Israeli defense officials assess that several living hostages are still being held within Gaza City, an area currently encircled by the IDF ahead of a likely renewed offensive. The footage appears to serve several purposes: