Hamas terrorists stand guard in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (Reuters/Hatem Khaled/File Photo)
In July, the U.S. and Israel pulled negotiators from Qatar after Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas showed a "lack of desire to reach a ceasefire" and was likely not negotiating in good faith.
On Aug. 26, Witkoff told Fox News’ Bret Baier on "Special Report" that he and Trump wanted the hostages home that week.
"There’s been a deal on the table for the last six or seven weeks that would have released 10 of the hostages out of the 20 who we think are alive," he said, noting that he believes Hamas is "100%" to blame for the hold-up.
TRUMP ON WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO BRING ISRAELI HOSTAGES HOME: HAMAS MUST BE 'CONFRONTED AND DESTROYED'
IDF forces are seen operating in Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip. (IDF Spokesman's Unit)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that only a comprehensive ceasefire — one that ensures the return of all hostages and ends the war on Israel’s terms — will be considered.
Israel is preparing a new offensive in Gaza targeting Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, as it expanded ground operations under Operation Gideon’s Chariots II.
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IDF spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee warned Palestinians in parts of Gaza City to leave ahead of an expected escalation. The warning included a map marking the area and highlighting one building the IDF planned to strike, citing "the presence of Hamas terrorist infrastructure inside or nearby."
Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-delivers-ultimatum-hamas-accept-deal-release-hostages-pay-consequences