‘“Shalom Hamas” means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose.’ So began Donald Trump’s furious social media post, an ultimatum wrapped in a linguistic dagger. The Hebrew word ‘shalom’ has a third meaning – peace – but Trump left that one out. Perhaps we can all agree: that option is no longer on the table in any outcome.
Instead, what followed was a declaration of war, at least rhetorically. Trump threatened Hamas with total destruction if they do not release the remaining hostages and return the bodies of those they have murdered. He called them ‘sick and twisted’ for keeping the corpses. He promised Israel everything it needed to ‘finish the job’. He advised Hamas leadership to flee Gaza while they still had time and told the people of Gaza that their future could be beautiful – but only if they let the hostages go. Otherwise, they were ‘DEAD’. And then, the final warning: ‘RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!’
This unpredictability is one of Trump’s greatest assets
It was classic Trump: blunt, theatrical, and deliberately unnerving.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in