Trump posts death threats to Hamas, residents of Gaza

In a post to his TruthSocial platform on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump threatened members of Hamas and residents of Gaza that they would be "DEAD" if they don't do as he says: release all captives, and leave the enclave.

"'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye - You can choose. 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 wrote on his social media site.

"Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am 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," he warned.

"I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!"

Trump's comments come as media coverage on Wednesday is dominated by the news that an unprecedented meeting between US and Hamas officials took place in Doha - something many across the political spectrum lauded as a constructive step. The two sides have never held direct talks.