Trump warns Hamas of consequences if hostages not released by inauguration

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday warned Hamas of severe consequences if hostages are not released by the time he assumes office.

“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 wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The threat comes after exhaustive diplomacy by outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration that has so far failed to secure a deal that would both end Israel’s war in Gaza and free hostages seized 14 months ago.

“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!,” Trump wrote.

Trump has vowed staunch support for Israel and to dispense with Biden’s occasional criticism, but has also spoken of his desire to secure deals on the world stage.

Israel estimates 101 hostages are still being held in Gaza nearly 14 months into a war that has left over 44,000 dead and 105,000 wounded, mostly women and children, in the densely populated territory.

As the conflict drags on, activists in Israel have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire and a potential swap of hostages and prisoners. However, critics accuse Netanyahu of obstructing any possible deal, claiming he seeks to prolong the war for political survival, prioritizing his interests over the nation’s.

Hamas announced Monday that 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza have been killed, primarily due to Israeli airstrikes since the conflict escalated on Oct. 7, 2023. “Some of their whereabouts remain unknown because of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions and obstinacy,” the group said in a statement on Telegram, warning that continued Israeli aggression would further endanger hostages.

Netanyahu, a key figure in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, has been linked to favoring Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House.

Trump is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2025, following his recent victory. During his first term, Trump controversially moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, a move that angered Palestinians, who view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.