US President-elect Donald Trump warned of severe consequences in the Middle East if hostages held in Gaza are not released by his inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Hamas militants captured over 250 hostages during their 2023 assault on Israel, including dual Israeli-American citizens. Current estimates suggest around half of the 101 remaining hostages are believed to be alive.

Trump made these remarks in a recent social media post, stating, “Everybody is talking about the hostages… But it’s all talk, and no action! If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East.”

He signaled that those responsible for the hostage situation would face significant repercussions. Hamas has demanded that Israel withdraw completely from Gaza as a condition for releasing the remaining hostages.

No longer a threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that operations against Hamas will continue until the group is no longer a threat to Israel.

In recent developments, Hamas reported that 33 hostages had been killed during the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for nearly 14 months. This statement followed Israel’s announcement that an Israeli American soldier missing since the onset of the conflict is now presumed dead.