Israel-Hamas Tensions Escalate as Trump Warns of Action

US President Donald Trump has issued a "last warning" to Hamas to release the hostages being held in Gaza, threatening severe consequences if they don't comply, amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas that have left 2.3 million residents facing starvation.

The warning came after the White House confirmed it is holding direct talks with Hamas over the remaining hostages, including five US citizens. Israel has been consulted prior to the talks, and the US believes it is in the best interest of the American people. However, Hamas has accused the US president of encouraging Israel to break the ceasefire deal, and the Israeli military has been launching a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an attack in October that killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostage.

The international community is divided on the way forward, with some calling for a lasting ceasefire and others pushing for a more decisive action against Hamas. France, Britain, and Germany have jointly called the humanitarian situation in Gaza "catastrophic" and urged Israel to ensure the "unhindered" delivery of aid. South Africa has also criticized Israel's restriction of aid into Gaza, calling it "using starvation as a weapon of war."

As the situation in Gaza remains dire, with a lack of basic necessities such as water and food, the US has proposed a plan to rebuild Gaza, which has been widely condemned. Arab leaders have sought support for an alternative plan that would finance Gaza's reconstruction through a trust fund and sideline Hamas. However, there are doubts about the feasibility of this plan, and the future of Gaza remains uncertain.