Hamas has accused former US President Donald Trump of giving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a green light to further tighten the blockade on Gaza by making repeated threats against the group. According to Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanou, these threats have provided justification for Netanyahu to bypass the existing ceasefire agreement and restrict humanitarian aid, risking starvation for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the enclave.
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This statement was released after the White House confirmed that a US envoy had engaged in direct talks with Hamas—a significant shift from Washington’s long-standing policy of not engaging with the group, which it designates as a terrorist organization. Egyptian security officials reported that the discussions, attended by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, focused on the terms of the ceasefire that took effect in January, which included provisions for the release of remaining captives in Gaza during a second phase of negotiations. However, following the conclusion of the first phase on Saturday, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release the remaining hostages before further progress on peace talks can be made.
Palestinians in Gaza have strongly criticized the blockade, warning that it could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. One resident from Khan Younis declared, “My house is gone, my work is gone, but I will not allow Trump to displace us. We are rooted in this land.” Trump has previously suggested that Gaza’s residents should be resettled elsewhere, even describing the area as a “demolition site” and envisioning a “Middle East Riviera” under American influence—a proposal that has been widely condemned by Palestinians.
Overall, the latest developments underscore the complex and volatile nature of the situation in Gaza, with significant implications for both regional security and the prospects for a lasting peace.
