As Israel continues its offensive against Hamas, the terrorist organization only has itself to blame, Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to President Donald Trump and senior director for counterterrorism, told Newsmax.
"It's very clear that one of the sides in this conflict is not acting in good faith when it comes to negotiations for a ceasefire and return of hostages," Gorka told Wednesday's "National Report." "And that side that is not acting in good faith is not Israel. We should not be surprised that, once again, they have breached the agreements.
"Innocent Israelis and an American dual national are still being held hostage. We know that this organization simply does not want to comply with the requirements of a ceasefire."
There are 59 hostages still being held in captivity by Hamas and about 30 might still be alive, Gorka said. Gorka dismissed Hamas' claims that further attacks amount to a "death sentence" for the hostages.
"The death sentence began on Oct. 7th," Gorka said. "This is one of the last pieces of leverage they have because Israel has absolutely destroyed this organization. The sublimely exquisite pace of operation by Israeli intelligence has created such a shattering of this jihadi threat group that I think they are showing desperation right now.
"The only chips they have are these innocent men and women."
Gorka said many of the families of the hostages simply want their bodies back.
"What organization refuses to return the bodies of people they murdered?" Gorka said. "That tells you everything about Hamas and what Israel is facing every single day."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight’s special series and President Trump’s comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.