Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an ultimatum to Hamas, telling the group to release the remains of all deceased hostages or "it is over for you".
This is not the first time Mr Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, but the remarks came as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire teeters on the brink, with Israel announcing it was blocking the entry of aid to Gaza while accusing Hamas of stealing supplies. So far, in accordance with the ceasefire, hundreds of Palestinian detainees have been released from Israeli jails in exchange for 33 living and dead hostages being held in Gaza.
"'Shalom Hamas' means hello and goodbye – you can choose," Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted."
He added that he is sending Israel "everything it needs to finish the job". "Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say," Mr Trump wrote.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Trump met former hostages in Washington and "listened intently to their heartbreaking stories", the White House said.
"This is your last warning. For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance," he wrote. "Release the hostages now, or there will be hell to pay later."
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that US officials have engaged in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a briefing that Israel has been consulted about direct US engagement with Hamas officials, but declined to give further details.
“Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the President has proven is what he believes is a good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people,” she said.
Adam Boehler, nominated to be special presidential envoy for hostage affairs at the State Department, met Hamas representatives in Doha in recent weeks, news site Axios first reported. The talks have focused in part on the release of US hostages, but have also included discussions of a broader deal to release all remaining hostages and reach a long-term truce.
"President Trump is committed to bringing home all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. This includes the Americans and all other hostages that Hamas is still holding hostage in Gaza. Efforts to bring them home are ongoing and sensitive," a State Department spokesperson told The National.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Israel relayed its position to the Americans about these direct talks with Hamas, without going into detail.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday indicated a readiness to move into phase two of the ceasefire agreement, which will include more releases of hostages and Palestinian detainees, as long as Hamas cedes military control of Gaza – a move that Hamas has long refused.
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Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
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