South Asian News Network

Hamas has been warned by US President Donald Trump with devastation unless it frees the remaining Israeli prisoners. Following the halt in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian armed organization over more prisoner swaps, the warning was issued. Following the signing of a truce in January, Hamas has freed 38 inmates in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. According to Israeli officials, at least 22 individuals are still detained in Gaza. The truce’s initial phase ended on Sunday, and both parties have accused one another of breaking it.

There is no progress in the discussions over more swaps. According to Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, Trump’s threats would make the ceasefire deal more difficult to implement. For the first time, the United States is engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump said that Gaza should become the “Riviera of the Middle East” and that most of the Palestinians living in the troubled territory should be taken in by surrounding Arab neighbors.