Gaza: Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories has always been the problem, not Hamas, the head of the Government Information Office in Gaza stated in response to a call by US President Donald Trump for the group to immediately release all Israeli hostages. "Our people or the resistance in Gaza have never been the problem. The problem has always been the occupation (Israel)," Selame Maruf said in a statement on X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Maruf criticized Trump's remarks, arguing that such statements provide absolute support and encouragement to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allowing him the power and capability to continue committing crimes against 2.4 million people. Maruf pointed to events in the West Bank and Jerusalem as evidence of the ongoing issues related to Israel's occupation.

On Wednesday, Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza and threatening severe consequences if they did not comply. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you."

Trump also expressed full support for Israel, indicating that he is sending everything Israel needs to finish the job, and warned that no Hamas member would be safe if his demands are not met. He advised Hamas leaders to leave Gaza while they "still have a chance," describing this as their "last warning."

Furthermore, Trump addressed the people of Gaza, linking their future to the fate of the hostages and suggesting that a positive future is contingent on the release of the hostages. He concluded with a stark warning: "RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!"