Trump Demands Hamas to Free Gaza Hostages Before His Presidential Term Begins
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Washington, Dec 3 (NationPress) US President-elect Donald Trump has put forth a strong ultimatum to the terrorist organization Hamas, insisting that the hostages they have taken from Gaza be freed prior to his inauguration in January, or there will be "hell to pay" in the Middle East for the individuals responsible.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump remarked: "If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, the date I proudly assume the Office of President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who committed these atrocities against Humanity. Those accountable will face repercussions more severe than anyone has endured in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!"
Approximately 250 hostages were taken during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, with around 100 still believed to be held in Gaza, and about a third thought to be deceased, as per Israeli authorities.
The Biden administration has been collaborating since last year with Israel and international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, on a cease-fire agreement that aims to facilitate the release of the hostages.
The specific approach Trump might employ that differs from existing Israeli tactics remains unclear, considering that Israel has already targeted numerous Hamas leaders and thousands of its fighters while significantly damaging Gaza.
In his post on Monday, Trump stated, "It’s all talk and no action" regarding the hostages, signaling his intention to potentially wield the power of his office to impose consequences on those responsible for the abductions, hinting at a more aggressive Middle East policy when he returns to the presidency.
There was a brief cessation of hostilities over a year ago, which resulted in the release of about 105 hostages. However, efforts to negotiate a cease-fire deal appeared to falter last month after mediators convened in Egypt.
Some hostages have also been freed through Israeli military operations. Nonetheless, there has been significant public outcry and frustration in Israel regarding the absence of a deal to ensure their freedom, with critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that he has not prioritized their release over his political interests.
This is not the first instance of Trump addressing the situation in Gaza and the status of the remaining hostages.
He has indicated to Netanyahu that he desires the conflict in the enclave to conclude before he reoccupies the White House. At the Republican National Convention in July, he expressed his demand for the hostages' return, asserting that their captors "will be paying a very big price".
His recent warning follows the release of a propaganda video by Hamas, featuring American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, aged 20, appealing to Trump for assistance in securing his release.
