President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. His message came after the White House confirmed that the U.S. had engaged in direct talks with the militant group for the first time.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened Hamas leadership, saying: “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance.” 

He also warned Gaza’s civilians: “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are dead!”

“Release the hostages now or there will be hell to pay later,” Trump further said.

Trump’s statement came after the White House confirmed on Wednesday that U.S. officials have been involved in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said presidential envoy Adam Boehler led the discussions, which focused on securing the release of American hostages, including Edan Alexander. The talks were facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries.

The U.S. decision to speak directly with Hamas breaks a long-standing policy of avoiding engagement with the group, which Washington has labeled a terrorist organization since 1997. 

Meanwhile, in response to Trump’s statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told CNN that Trump’s remarks would “complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement” and embolden Israel’s government to avoid implementing the deal.

Qassem said Hamas had fulfilled its first-phase obligations under the U.S.-brokered agreement and that the Israeli government was “evading negotiations for the second phase.”

He urged the U.S. to pressure Israel into entering the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. 

On Sunday, a day after the first phase expired, Israel blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, in response to Hamas rejecting a new Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire without any commitment to end the war or fully withdraw troops.