Israel Briefing Day 518: Hamas threatens hostage murders after Trump ultimatum Plus, Israel-U.S. intelligence sharing reportedly at risk due to Trump’s Russia stance
Hamas has threatened to murder hostages if it is subject to any “escalation.” Its statement came yesterday, on the heels of Donald Trump’s ultimatum that the terror group will be decimated if it does not free all the remaining captives.
Hamas Spokesman Abu Obeida said: “Every escalation and aggression against our people will lead to the death of hostages.”
However, Trump doubled down on his threats, saying that harsher action may be needed, and refusing to rule out joint Israeli-U.S. military action.
Asked in the Oval Office whether he could order military strikes, Trump responded: “Well, we’re going to find out.” He went on: “Somebody’s going to have to get a lot rougher than they’re getting. It’s a shame.”
The President also spoke about his meeting on Wednesday with a group of former hostages: “I had the honour of spending a lot of time yesterday with quite a few of the people that we got out, and I can’t believe how badly treated they were,”
In related news, just one day after it emerged that the U.S. and Hamas are holding unprecedented direct negotiations the talks have reportedly hit a roadblock.
The discussions were being led by U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler in Qatar and came to light on Wednesday after a report in Axios followed by White House confirmation.
Now the talks are public, they are reportedly in crisis, while Jerusalem is unhappy about the direct Washington-Hamas channel.
the talks have reportedly hit a roadblock. 
