He fires from the hip, spraying invective and spouting threats and plans with little or no aforethought.

He has already suggested that Gaza should be cleared of its Palestinian population and transformed into the Riviera of the Middle East.

Fast forward to this week and his administration has engaged with the terrorists of Hamas, warning them chillingly that if they do not release the remaining Israeli hostages the people of Gaza are “dead”.

He declared: “Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or you are dead — it is over for you. ‘Shalom Hamas’ means hello and goodbye — you can choose. This is your last warning.”

Quite what the threat means is anyone’s guess.

Is he suggesting that Israel would have carte blanche to continue its offensive and raze the enclave? Meanwhile, Israel has warned Hamas that if it does not release the remaining hostages, the ceasefire is over, as we have suggested previously.

Hamas is playing a dangerous game.

The terror organisation has everything to lose and, as always, is showing zero regard for the people it is supposed to represent.

With unequivocal American backing, Israel is in a stronger than ever position.

The number of hostages who are still alive is unknown.

If and when they are released and the bodies of the deceased are returned, if there is further evidence of murder and torture, whether or not the ceasefire is still active, Hamas will surely pay a heavy price.

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