 "US President-elect Donald Trump demands Hamas release hostages and sets January 20 ultimatum. Source: Reuters.")
US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran-backed Palestinian terrorist group – Hamas – demanding the release of all the hostages held in the Gaza strip prior to January 20 or face dire consequences.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, “… there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East” if the hostages were not freed before he assumes office as the President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
‘Release hostages now!’
“Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity,” Trump said.
“Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” he further said.
The threat to Hamas, amid the deadlock efforts to bring an end to the war that began on October 7, 2023, is seen as Trump’s most forceful since his win in the November 5 US elections.
Trump’s statement also comes amid reports that he has been pushing for ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war to be reached before he begins his second term next month. The situation, however, remains tense, with both Israel and Hamas showing no signs of compromise.
The US President-elect’s threats to Hamas also came just hours after Israel confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual US-Israeli citizen, whose remains are believed to still be in Gaza.
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Trump statement also came after Hamas released a propaganda video, over the weekend, showing American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander pleading with the US president-elect to secure his release.
Israel reacts to Trump’s statement
Moments after Trump’s statement, President of Israel, Isaac Herzog thanked Trump and said, “We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”
As per Israeli officials, more than 250 people were taken as hostages by Hamas after it attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Of these, approximately 100 still remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip, with some confirmed dead.
The October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas is considered the deadliest in Israel’s history as it left 1,200 people dead.
Hamas, meanwhile, has reportedly linked any release of hostages to an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.
With inputs from agencies.