Trump doubles down on hardline stance toward Hamas

US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, on Monday with a forceful statement about Hamas, declaring that the release of remaining captives will only happen if the group is decisively defeated.

“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,” Trump wrote.

The president went on to highlight his record, claiming credit for securing the release of “hundreds of hostages” during his time in office and emphasizing what he described as his decisive foreign policy.

Read more: Hamas agrees to 60-day Gaza ceasefire in proposed prisoner deal

“Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!). I was the one who ended 6 wars, in just 6 months. I was the one who OBLITERATED Iran’s Nuclear facilities. Play to WIN, or don’t play at all!” he added.

Trump’s post comes amid ongoing negotiations and international pressure to end the war on Gaza and secure the freedom of the captives.