Trump Says Hamas' Surrender, Hostage Release Would End Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis
US President Donald Trump has called on Hamas to surrender, stating that doing so would be the fastest way to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His comments came on Thursday as US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Trump's statement echoes recent remarks by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who earlier this week urged Hamas to disarm. Mustafa added that control of the Gaza Strip should ultimately be transferred to the Palestinian Authority in an effort to restore order and legitimacy to the region.
Reiterating his demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Trump wrote on Truth Social, 'The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!" He has consistently condemned Hamas in recent months, claiming that the group 'does not really want a deal" and asserting, 'we have to get rid of them."
Trump's latest remarks indicate a notable shift from his earlier tone just last week, when he criticised Israel over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. At the time, he acknowledged that 'there is real starvation in Gaza" and appeared to hold the Israeli government partially responsible for the unfolding crisis.
The specific details of Thursday's meeting between Netanyahu and Witkoff have not yet been disclosed. However, it is expected that discussions centred on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the possibility of restarting ceasefire talks.
Previous negotiations mediated in Qatar were derailed last week, prompting frustration in Washington. Witkoff expressed disappointment over Hamas' lack of engagement, stating the group showed 'a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza" and accused it of failing to act 'in good faith."
It remains unclear whether Witkoff will visit Gaza during his current trip. His last visit to the region took place in January this year.
Meanwhile, the US Department of State issued a stern warning on July 31, announcing possible sanctions against the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. The department stated that these actions were necessary due to their role in 'undermining the prospects for peace," adding, 'It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments."
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