US President Donald Trump has issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release the hostages being held in Gaza.

It comes just hours after the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the US has been negotiating directly with Hamas to try to secure the release of the hostages.

Washington has until now avoided direct engagement with the group, and there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with entities it lists as terrorist organisations.

Israel said there are still 59 hostages being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. US citizens are also among the captives.

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