This week, Hamas once again showed why reaching a ceasefire deal was so elusive for so long: the group threatened to stop releasing hostages and to return to war with Israel. To many of us who served in the Biden administration (I helped lead months of ceasefire talks), this did not come as a surprise.

President Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of remaining hostages in Gaza by the weekend or face severe repercussions by Tuesday. This follows a meeting with Jordan's king,