Donald Trump’s warning to Hamas on Israeli hostages in Gaza: ‘Hell to pay’

United States President-elect Donald Trump has warned Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza or face severe consequences after his swearing-in.

“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,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social site.

He asked for the hostages to be released now, saying those responsible ‘will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States,” if he is not heeded.

Trump said that despite global concern over the hostages, there has been no significant action taken. He vowed that those responsible for the violence would face the harshest response in US history.

It was not immediately clear whether Donald Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas in Gaza. His allies have said that he hopes there will be a ceasefire and hostage release deal before he returns to office early next year.

The hostages were taken during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and around 100 remain in captivity, while others are confirmed dead, according to Israeli officials. The assault resulted in 1,200 deaths, making it one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on Trump’s statement, but President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude for Trump’s support. Meanwhile, Hamas has tied the release of the hostages to the end of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The Biden administration has attempted to broker a ceasefire, but peace talks with Hamas have made little progress.

The conflict continues to devastate Gaza, with over 44,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes and large parts of the territory destroyed. The situation remains tense, with no signs of compromise from either side.