The White House has expressed strong criticism of Hamas, asserting that the group is making “entirely impractical” demands that are obstructing negotiations for the release of a US-Israeli hostage. In a pointed statement from the office of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council, officials suggested that Hamas is miscalculating by believing it has leverage as time passes.
“If that deadline passes, we will respond accordingly,” the statement warned, emphasizing that Hamas is well aware of the urgency surrounding the situation. Trump’s administration has already indicated that Hamas would face severe repercussions if hostages were not released in a timely manner.
Earlier on the same day, Hamas announced its readiness to release an Israeli-American hostage along with the remains of four others. This announcement came as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel resumed in an effort to extend the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Witkoff had put forward a proposal in Qatar that would serve as a “bridge” to prolong the truce, contingent on Hamas releasing living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The statement detailed that Hamas was clearly informed of the need for prompt action regarding this proposal, specifically that Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, should be released immediately. However, it condemned Hamas for claiming flexibility publicly while making demands that are deemed impractical without an overarching ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of prioritizing all hostages during a press conference following discussions among Group of Seven leaders in Canada. He expressed outrage at the notion of the current situation being perceived as a standard exchange, labeling it as unacceptable. While he refrained from discussing specific demands or terms, Rubio stated that it is critical for the international community to denounce the actions taken by Hamas as “outrageous,” underscoring the vast consensus that all hostages should be released without further delay.
