President Donald Trump said the remaining hostages will only return once Hamas is "confronted and destroyed" as Israel plans to expand its Gaza offensive.

President Donald Trump said Monday morning that the remaining hostages in Gaza will only be returned when Hamas is “confronted and destroyed.”

"Your legacy could be defined by this moment - the leader who ended the wars and brought our people home, while creating a future for both our families and the people of Gaza. " US President Donald Trump should make the "deal of all deals" to stop the war in Gaza and secure the release of all 50 hostages still in Hamas captivity,

Hours after former President Trump threatened the “total destruction” of Hamas, the group has agreed to a two-month ceasefire in Gaza, AFP reports. Under the truce, Hamas is expected to release half of the Israeli hostages in phases in exchange for halting Israel’s military expansion.

New images of emaciated Israeli hostages held in Gaza have horrified Israelis and added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire with Hamas.

Hamas said it was prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions.

At the heart of Tel Aviv, thousands gathered at ‘Hostages Square,’ waving banners, portraits and flags demanding the release of those still held in Gaza and an end to war. Among them stood Pushpa Joshi, sister of Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held hostage by Hamas, her voice breaking as she addressed the crowd.

Political commentator Amit Segal says the Prime Minister is keeping the option of a partial deal with Hamas open, even as those close to him claim his focus is on conquering Gaza.