President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas on Monday, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that if the hostages were not freed before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, there would be “all hell to pay” in the Middle East.

“Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East – But it’s all talk, and no action! 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”, he wrote.

“Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America. Release the hostages now!,” he added, calling for the immediate release of those still in captivity.

Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East – But it’s all talk, and no action! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 2, 2024

This marks Trump’s most direct comments on the issue since his election in November.

According to Israeli officials, over 250 hostages were taken during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Of these, approximately 100 remain in captivity, with some confirmed dead, reported the news agency Reuters.

The assault, which left 1,200 dead, is considered the deadliest in Israel’s history.

Israeli response and ongoing negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or his office has not commented on Trump’s statement as of now. However, President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude, posting on social media, “Thank you and bless you, Mr. President-elect @realDonaldTrump. We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”

Hamas has reportedly linked any release of hostages to an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and a complete withdrawal from the territory.
The Biden administration has engaged in extensive diplomacy, brokering a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, but Hamas has shown little willingness to negotiate for a broader peace deal, according to US officials cited by news agency AP.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’ surprise attack, has devastated Gaza.
As per Reuters, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 44,400 Palestinians, with nearly 90 per cent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced, as per the territory’s health ministry. The war has also levelled significant portions of the enclave.

Trump’s threats came just hours after Israel confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual US-Israeli citizen, whose remains are believed to still be in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas released a video of Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier held hostage, urging Trump to secure the freedom of those captured.

Trump’s allies hope for a hostage release deal before his return to office, but the situation remains tense, with both Israel and Hamas showing no signs of compromise.