What's happened
Former President Donald Trump claims ongoing negotiations with Hamas are close to a deal, urging the group to release all hostages held in Gaza. He suggests progress is imminent but warns of a tough situation if Hamas refuses, amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts. The story is current as of September 12, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Trump’s repeated calls for Hamas to release all hostages serve multiple purposes. They reinforce his stance as a negotiator and supporter of Israel, while also positioning him as a voice of urgency in a complex crisis. His assertions about the number of hostages and their status, despite Israeli official counts, reflect a strategic attempt to influence public opinion and diplomatic negotiations. The emphasis on a 'tough' situation if Hamas refuses indicates that Trump is framing the issue as a binary choice—either release all hostages or face escalating conflict. This rhetoric could pressure Hamas and Israel but risks complicating diplomatic efforts by inflaming tensions. The broader context shows Trump’s desire to appear as a decisive leader capable of resolving the crisis, potentially positioning himself for future political gains. The ongoing negotiations remain fragile, with Israel demanding a comprehensive, unconditional release of all captives and Hamas holding firm on its conditions, including disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza. The international community’s role remains limited, with some European protests highlighting regional tensions and public opinion shaping diplomatic pressure. The next steps will likely depend on whether Hamas perceives enough pressure or incentives to release the hostages and whether Israel maintains its hardline stance or considers concessions to end the conflict.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Trump has repeatedly called for Hamas to release all hostages, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and claiming that progress is close. The article details his public statements, including his recent reiteration that all hostages should be released immediately, and his belief that the remaining hostages will be returned, dead or alive. It also highlights his criticism of Israel’s military actions, suggesting they hinder negotiations. The article contrasts Trump’s claims with Israeli officials’ assessments, which have not changed, and notes the political and diplomatic tensions surrounding the negotiations. The Times of Israel provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing hostage crisis, the diplomatic stances, and Trump’s involvement, offering insight into the complex dynamics at play.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict in Gaza involves Hamas holding 48 hostages, including 20 believed to be alive, with Israeli authorities expressing grave concern for their safety. Previous negotiations have seen partial releases and exchanges, but Israel now demands a comprehensive deal for all captives. Trump has been vocal about his involvement and hopes for a swift resolution, amid tensions over Israel's military operations and diplomatic stances.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: