RNS: Former President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump demanded that the hostages be freed before he assumes office on January 20, 2025. Although he did not specifically name Hamas, Trump’s message was clear: “If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, when 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 went on to emphasize that those responsible for the hostage-taking would face unprecedented consequences. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America,” Trump warned, urging the immediate release of the hostages.
The hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which saw around 250 individuals captured. As of now, about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with roughly a third feared to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.
Since the attack, the Biden administration has been working alongside Israel and international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages. However, Trump’s ultimatum adds a new layer of tension, signaling a hardline stance should he return to the White House in 2025.
