Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas Over Hostages Ahead of Inauguration
US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that if the hostages are not freed before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, there will be “hell to pay” in the Middle East for those responsible for the abductions. He made it clear that those behind these atrocities would face unprecedented consequences, asserting that the United States would hold them accountable like never before.
Trump’s message was directed at the perpetrators without directly naming Hamas, and he reiterated his commitment to aggressively handling the Middle East situation. Around 250 hostages were taken in the Hamas-led attack, with approximately 100 still held in Gaza, and many are believed to have died.
Despite ongoing efforts by the Biden administration, Israel, and international mediators to broker a ceasefire and secure the hostages’ release, progress has been slow. Trump’s statement reflects his frustration with the lack of concrete action on this front, especially as hostages continue to be held, and Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has not resulted in their freedom.
Trump’s remarks are the latest in a series of statements regarding the hostages. He has previously expressed his desire for the war to end before his return to the White House and promised that captors would “pay a very big price.” His latest ultimatum follows the release of a propaganda video by Hamas featuring an American-Israeli hostage pleading for Trump to intervene and secure his release.
