President-elect Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Hamas on Monday, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that if the hostages were not freed before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, there would be “all hell to pay” in the Middle East.
“Everyone is talking about the hostages being held cruelly and inhumanely, but it’s all talk with no action. If the hostages are not freed before January 20, 2025, the day I take office as President, there will be severe consequences in the Middle East, and those responsible will face repercussions like no one in U.S. history has ever faced,” he wrote.
He continued, “Release the hostages now!” emphasizing the need for their immediate freedom.
This marks Trump’s most direct comments on the situation since his election in November.
Israeli officials report that over 250 hostages were taken during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, with around 100 still held captive. Some have been confirmed dead.
The attack, which killed 1,200 people, is considered Israel’s deadliest in history.
Israeli Response and Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not yet commented on Trump’s statement. However, President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude, posting on social media, “Thank you and bless you, Mr. President-elect. We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”
Hamas has reportedly tied any hostages’ release to the end of Israeli military operations in Gaza and a full withdrawal from the region. The Biden administration has been involved in diplomatic efforts, including brokering a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but Hamas has shown little willingness to negotiate a broader peace deal.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’ surprise attack, has devastated Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 44,400 Palestinians, and nearly 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million has been displaced, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The war has also caused widespread destruction.
Trump’s threats came shortly after Israel confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual US-Israeli citizen, whose remains are believed to still be in Gaza. Hamas also released a video showing Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier held hostage, urging Trump to act for the freedom of the captives.
Trump’s supporters hope for a hostage release deal before he returns to office, though the situation remains tense, with no signs of compromise from either Israel or Hamas.
