Trump Warns Hamas Over Hostages Amid Intensifying Israeli Assault on Gaza

US President Donald Trump issued another stern warning to Hamas on Monday, urging the group not to move Israeli captives above ground or use them as “human shields”, as Israeli forces escalate their offensive in Gaza.

Posting on social media, Trump cited a news report claiming Hamas was relocating captives in an effort to deter Israeli attacks.

“I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing,” he wrote. “This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or, ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!”

Trump has issued several similar threats in recent weeks, though analysts question what further punitive action the US can take against Hamas, given the group’s senior leadership has already been largely wiped out, and Gaza has suffered near-total devastation during Israel’s months-long military campaign.

Trump’s post comes as Israel intensifies its campaign to level Gaza City, with continuous airstrikes targeting residential towers, schools, and hospitals. The UN’s special envoy has described the destruction as part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing.

On Sunday, Israel’s state broadcaster Kan reported that Hamas was allegedly moving hostages to civilian areas, including homes and tents, in an effort to pressure Israel to halt its advance.

At the same time, human rights groups have long documented Israel’s own use of Palestinians as human shields, particularly in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In 2024, Al Jazeera released footage showing Israeli forces sending Palestinian detainees into tunnels and buildings before entering themselves, a practice widely condemned under international law.

Tensions further escalated last week when Israel launched a deadly strike in Doha, the Qatari capital, killing five Hamas members and a Qatari security official. The strike targeted Hamas officials who were involved in negotiating a ceasefire deal proposed by Trump himself.

Hamas confirmed its leadership survived, while Trump publicly criticised the attack, reiterating on Monday that “Israel will not be striking Qatar again.”

Still, the US president’s messaging has been inconsistent. On Monday, Trump claimed he learned of the Doha strike “the same way you did,” via the media, despite previously stating that he had received advance notice from US military sources.

While Trump condemns Hamas for allegedly using civilians as shields, critics point to Israel’s extensive history of employing the same tactic, often with impunity. The Israeli military has justified its strikes on civilian areas by claiming Hamas operates from them, a narrative challenged by journalists, human rights organisations, and video evidence.

On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz posted footage of a high-rise in Gaza being leveled, with the caption:

“The house of cards. The skyline of Gaza is changing.”