Trump warns Hamas to return deceased hostages within 48 hours

Trump warns Hamas to return deceased hostages within 48 hours
Trump looks on as he departs for Asia, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 24, 2025.
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate return of deceased hostages, including two American citizens, warning that failure to comply will affect future negotiations.

Posting on his Truth Social account late Saturday, Trump said, “We have a very strong peace in the Middle East, and I believe it has a good chance of being everlasting. Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages, including two Americans, quickly, or the other countries involved in this great peace will take action.”

He added that while some bodies may be difficult to recover, others could be returned immediately. “That only applies if they comply with their obligations,” he noted, adding that he would be “watching very closely over the next 48 hours.”

Senior Israeli officials said the number of deceased hostages still held in Gaza is expected to drop to single digits within the next two weeks. The development comes as Israel allows an Egyptian delegation to enter the Gaza Strip with engineering equipment to assist in recovery efforts.

Officials said regional actors now understand that “the excuses have run out,” suggesting growing pressure on Hamas to act.

The warning marks the latest in a series of statements by Trump aimed at maintaining what he describes as “a strong and fair peace” in the region following a fragile ceasefire.

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