Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas on Monday night, cautioning the group against using Israeli captives as human shields in Gaza City amid intense Israeli military operations.

Trump's warning came shortly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched powerful strikes on Gaza City. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "I have just read a News Report that Hamas has moved the hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel’s ground offensive. I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or, ALL 'BETS' ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!"

The statement was made late Monday night, September 15, 2025, as the conflict escalated in Gaza City, located in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Trump's post by thanking him for his support, stating, "Thank you President Trump for your unflinching support for Israel's battle against Hamas and the release of all our hostages."

Israel believes Hamas still holds approximately 20 living hostages who were captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks. The reports that Hamas moved hostages above ground to use them as human shields have raised international concern.

The warning from Trump highlights the ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns amid the Israeli military's ground offensive in Gaza City, where the IDF aims to target Hamas militants.