Trump Issues Stark Warning to Hamas: Hostages Must Be Released by Inauguration Day

Washington, Jan 8 (NationPress) US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning that all hell will break loose if Hamas does not release hostages in Gaza before January 20, when he will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the US, indicating how much the incoming President aims to steer clear of inheriting the Israel-Hamas conflict just days before he takes office.

"All hell will break out. If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiations, if they're not back by the time I take office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump stated during a news conference on Tuesday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

He was addressing a question concerning the ongoing negotiations for the release of American hostages held by Hamas.

His Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steven Charles Witkoff, who recently returned from the area, informed reporters that they are nearing a resolution.

"I feel we are on the brink of something significant. I prefer not to dwell on the delays; there's no benefit to negativity. The driving force behind this negotiation is the President, his stature, and the red lines he has established," Witkoff explained.

Witkoff remarked on the substantial progress being made, stating, "I don't want to say too much because I think the team in Doha is doing exceptionally well. I’m heading back to Doha tomorrow, but I believe we have achieved remarkable progress, and I’m hopeful that by the time of the inauguration, we will have positive announcements to share on behalf of the President."

"I genuinely believe we are collaborating effectively, but it’s the President and his expectations that are motivating this negotiation. Let’s hope for a favorable outcome that saves lives," Witkoff added.

In response to a query, Trump admonished Hamas to ensure all hostages are freed by January 20.

"It will not bode well for Hamas, and it won’t be favorable for anyone involved. All hell will break out. I don’t need to elaborate further; that’s the reality. They should have released them long ago—they should have never taken them in the first place. The attack on October 7 should never have occurred, and many lives were lost," he remarked.

"They are no longer hostages. I have received calls from individuals in Israel and other nations pleading for assistance. We also have people from the United States caught up in this situation. I have parents coming to me, distraught, asking if they can recover their children’s remains," he continued.

"There’s a heartbreaking story about a young girl who was pulled by her ponytail and thrown into a vehicle like she was nothing. I asked about her fate. Sir, she is deceased. She was only around 19 or 20, a beautiful girl. The treatment she received was appalling," he stated while commending his special envoy for the advancements made so far.

"I want to reiterate, I don’t wish to jeopardize the negotiations. If a deal isn’t finalized before I assume office, which is just two weeks away, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump concluded.