President-elect Donald Trump has delivered a direct ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. Writing on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump warned of severe consequences if the hostages are not freed before his inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Trump stated, “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.”
He further added, “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!”
Hostage Crisis in Gaza
Trump’s statement comes as over 250 hostages were taken during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials report that approximately 100 remain in captivity, with some confirmed deceased. The attack, which claimed 1,200 lives, is regarded as the deadliest in Israel’s history.
Israeli Reactions and Diplomacy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not commented on Trump’s remarks, but President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude via X, saying, “Thank you and bless you, Mr. President-elect @realDonaldTrump. We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”
Hamas has reportedly conditioned any hostage release on a halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and a full withdrawal from the territory. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has worked on brokering a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, but Hamas has shown little willingness to engage in broader negotiations, according to US officials.
Humanitarian Toll of the Conflict
The ongoing war has inflicted a devastating toll on Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 44,400 Palestinians, with nearly 90% of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents displaced, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Significant portions of Gaza have been reduced to rubble.
Trump’s warning follows Israel’s confirmation of the death of Omer Neutra, a dual US-Israeli citizen believed to still be in Gaza. Hamas also released a video of Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier held hostage, pleading for efforts to secure the release of those captured.
With tensions escalating and no resolution in sight, the situation remains dire. Trump’s allies hope for a breakthrough in the hostage crisis before his return to office, but both Israel and Hamas appear unwilling to compromise.
