Trump’s government is breaking with its longstanding policy of not talking with groups it deems to be terrorist organizations.

Any Israeli military escalation against Palestinians would most likely lead to the killing of some hostages, the Hamas armed wing' spokesperson said on Thursday, adding that the Israeli threats of war and blockade will not secure the release of the hostages.

President Donald Trump has issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza, directing a sharply worded message after the White House confirmed that he had recently dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with the militant group.