• Trump demands Hamas release all 20 hostages immediately.
• Hamas expresses readiness for a prisoner exchange deal.
• Israeli officials reject Hamas's statements as mere spin.
• Death toll in Gaza continues to rise amid ongoing military operations.
• Concerns grow over the safety of remaining hostages amid conflict intensification.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all 20 hostages, stating, "Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!" This demand follows a recent escalation in violence, where Hamas-led militants captured 251 individuals, and approximately 48 are still believed to be alive in Gaza. The war has resulted in over 63,000 Palestinian deaths since its onset, according to multiple reports, including Indiatimes and BBC.

In response to Trump's remarks, Hamas reiterated its willingness to negotiate a comprehensive deal, which would include the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This comment from Hamas came after a proposal they accepted in August, which involved a truce and potential exchange of hostages. However, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, rejected Hamas' statement as a "spin," asserting that the war would only conclude with the release of all hostages and demilitarization of Gaza. This situation underscores the complexities in negotiations, as highlighted by Reuters and Newsweek.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, with thousands of displaced individuals facing dire conditions. The United Nations has warned of famine affecting more than half a million people, as airstrikes continue. As Israeli forces prepare for a ground offensive to capture Gaza City, families of hostages have expressed fears for their loved ones' safety, calling for an immediate ceasefire. The situation remains precarious, with initial reports indicating at least 64,231 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, a statistic reported by the Hamas-run health ministry and echoed in other sources such as BBC.

The stakes remain high as negotiations appear stalled amid threats of intensified military action. Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq claimed the delay in progress is due to Netanyahu's intransigence, suggesting that Israeli leadership is the primary obstacle preventing a ceasefire or prisoner exchanges. As diplomatic efforts falter, the international community watches closely, as the humanitarian crisis deepens and global backlash grows against the ongoing military operations in Gaza, according to Newsweek and Reuters.