A senior Hamas officer, Musir al-Masri, has accused Donald Trump of being a “clear double standard” about the release of hostages in Gaza. Following Al-Masri’s comments, the White House confirmed direct talks with Hamas to secure the release of the hostages, marking a significant change in the US policy.
The interaction between Hamas and America is to achieve stability in the region, Al-Masri told CNN. Although the Gaza ceasefire is uncertain, Israel blocked Hamas significant assistance for pressure to increase the Trus. Israel has refused to engage in a direct conversation with Hamas since the October 7 terror attack and vowed to end the group.
Al-Masri insisted that Hamas wants to resolve the hostage issue in exchange for a conversation in the second phase of the ceasefire. This will include the release of the remaining live hostages in exchange for a permanent end for the fight. Currently, only one living American hostage, Aidan Alexander, is believed to, in Gaza, with four dead Americans and at least 12 double US-Israeli detainees.
Al-Masri criticized Trump for focusing on Israeli prisoners, ignoring about 10,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. He accused the US administration of prejudice to Israel, putting himself in position as a party for conflict rather than a mediator.
Despite the talks, Trump continues to threaten Hamas, stating that they should release all the hostages immediately or face results. The American messenger for the Middle East, Steve Witcoff, indicates a potential American military action in Gaza if Hamas fails to follow American demands.
Al-Masri urged the Trump administration to remain neutral and avoid becoming the “replication” of Biden administration in his support for Israel. He emphasized that danger and threat would not be effective and effort to force the people of Gaza would be meaningless.
Trump’s plan to take ownership of Gaza and create a Middle Eastern “Riviera” is with extensive criticism. The scheme will require the removal of about 2 million Palestinians, which is condemned as ethnic cleaning. The Arab League has proposed an alternative plan, including forming an interim committee to operate Gaza and prepare for the Palestinian Authority’s return.
The situation with various stakeholders remains complex and sensitive. The international community is closely looking at, and the result will be important implications for the stability of the region and the Israeli-Filistini conflict.
