Trump's statement came just hours after the White House confirmed it was holding direct talks with Hamas over the remaining hostages. Washington has until now avoided direct engagement with the group, and there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with entities it lists as terrorist organisations.

American officials have been involved in direct discussions with Hamas, aimed at securing the release of American hostages and achieving an agreement to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, as reported by the portal "Axios,

Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued what he called a "last warning" to Hamas to release the hostages being held in Gaza. Message Of US President Donald Trump "'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose.