Trump demanded that Hamas "release all of the hostages now, not later," including the remains of dead hostages, "or it is OVER for you".

The Hamas militant group has brushed off President Donald Trump’s latest threat and reiterated that it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has introduced what it said was a new U.S. ceasefire plan and is trying to force Hamas to accept it by imposing a siege on the Gaza Strip

Israel is giving Hamas “several days” to rethink terms for a new Gaza ceasefire, raising the prospect of further pressure tactics or a resumption of war.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim accused Trump of complicating the ceasefire efforts and emboldening Israel to disregard its commitments.

The US president said that unless hostages are freed, the people of Gaza would be "DEAD". Trump's warning came hours after his administration revealed it held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, which it proscribes as a "terrorist" group,

An Israeli delegation in Cairo is negotiating to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire when it expires on Saturday rather than move to the second phase as originally planned and as Hamas wants,

Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization, said Thursday that threats from U.S. President Donald Trump are encouraging Israel to walk away from a Gaza ceasefire deal. The comments came a day after Trump said "there will be hell to pay" if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages being held in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday Israel was ready to proceed to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, as long as Hamas was ready to release more of the 59 hostages it is still holding.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened further destruction of Gaza if all remaining hostages are not released, and issued an ultimatum to Hamas leaders to flee.