The remarks coincided with revelations that the U.S. had begun direct talks with Hamas regarding the hostages and a potential Gaza ceasefire. First reported by Axios, this development marks a departure from the U.S.’s long-standing practice of avoiding dialogue with groups it has designated as terrorists since Hamas was added to the Foreign Terrorist Organization list in 1997. Exceptions to this policy have occurred, notably during the Obama and Trump administrations’ negotiations with the Taliban.
When questioned about the unprecedented direct engagement with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move. “The special envoy engaged in these negotiations has the authority to talk to anyone,” she said, referencing Adam Boehler, Trump’s appointee as hostage envoy. “Israel was consulted on this matter, and the president believes dialogue with people around the world is a good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.” CNN has sought further clarification from the National Security Council.
Meanwhile, at the Rafah border crossing on Egypt’s side, a truck was seen moving from Gaza on February 11, 2025, amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to Reuters.
Israeli and Hamas Reactions

Israel’s government acknowledged the U.S. talks with Hamas but did not specify whether it was informed in advance or its official stance on the matter. A source earlier told CNN that Israel was aware of the negotiations. A senior Israeli diplomat, Ofir Akunis, consul general in New York, appeared to endorse the U.S. approach during a Fox Business interview. “Instead of putting Israel under pressure, President Trump is putting Hamas under pressure, and this is the right thing to do,” Akunis said, expressing hope that the talks could lead to more hostage releases.

Hamas, however, criticized Trump’s rhetoric, arguing it jeopardized the ceasefire and hostage negotiations. Spokesperson Hazem Qassem told CNN that the president’s statements could “complicate matters” and encourage Israel to dodge its commitments under a U.S.-brokered deal. Qassem claimed Hamas had met its first-phase obligations, while accusing Israel of stalling on the second phase. He called on the U.S. to push Israel to honor the agreement. CNN has reached out to Hamas for additional comment.
Trump’s Vision and Threats
In his Truth Social post, Trump also addressed Gazans directly, promising “a beautiful future” if the hostages were released but warning of dire consequences if they were not. “If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” he wrote. Trump has previously described Gaza as a potential “big real estate site,” envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East” under development.
Tensions escalated further after Israel blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday, following Hamas’s rejection of a new Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire without guarantees of a full troop withdrawal or an end to the conflict. Trucks carrying aid were seen lined up on the Egyptian side of Rafah on March 2, underscoring the ongoing crisis.