U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages in Gaza “now” and said the war must be brought to an end, using his U.N. General Assembly address to press for a ceasefire tied to a comprehensive hostage deal. “Those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now,” he said to applause.
Trump has in recent weeks publicly rejected partial agreements, saying Hamas should free all captives at once. Israeli authorities say most hostages have been freed in earlier exchanges, with roughly 20 believed alive in Gaza.
He also criticized moves by U.N. members to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing such steps reward Hamas as the war continues. His remarks came a day after a high-level U.N. gathering on a two-state framework that drew new backing for recognition from several countries.
The White House has sought Arab and European support for a broad Gaza package; Trump is meeting officials from Muslim-majority states this week in New York to discuss end-of-war parameters and hostage talks, according to U.S. officials.