US President Donald Trump wants Hamas to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander to show he is serious about negotiations, US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told reporters at the White House on Thursday.
"Edan Alexander is very important to us. He is wounded, and he is a top priority. I hope we see good behavior [from Hamas] next week and that I can get there (to Qatar) and have good talks," Witkoff said.
Speaking of Trump's stance, Witkoff said, "An American is going to be a priority for him."
"The president's message yesterday to Hamas was that he was fed up. I wouldn't test the president... There will be consequences."
Witkoff added in his statement: "It's time for Hamas to act responsibly, which it is not currently doing. Hamas has an opportunity to behave sensibly and do the right thing and then leave Gaza. They will not be part of a future government in Gaza. If they understand this - they have a path to leave."
"We don't care so much about these terms 'phase two' or 'extension of phase one,' what we are focused on is reaching a solution and releasing the hostages."
Remaining hostages
"We estimate 22 maybe 24 living hostages remain in Gaza, and we want them all back. And we want the bodies back, too."
He added that the Trump administration is in conversations with Israelis every single day. In as press conference on Thursday, Trump said "we are talking to Hamas and helping Israel."
"Any action by Israel against Hamas will be supported by our administration," Witkoff stated.
He also confirmed that a date has been set for a return to fighting, but that he cannot reveal it.
Joint action against Hamas
Later on, Witkoff added that the US and Israel could take joint action against Hamas if the terror group failed to release the hostages.
Further, when Trump was asked whether this statement referred to joint military strikes, he responded, "Well, we're going to find out. Someone will have to be much tougher than them."