Official statements from Hamas, Israeli government, or international news agencies

Trump Warns Hamas of 'Hell to Pay' if Gaza Hostages Not Released by January 20 Inauguration

Dec 16, 2024, 05:21 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that there will be severe consequences in the Middle East if the hostages held in Gaza are not released before his inauguration on January 20. During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, 'We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back, as you know, with Israel and the Middle East.' He reiterated that if Hamas does not release the hostages by his inauguration, 'all hell is gonna break out' and it 'won't be pleasant.' This statement follows a telephone conversation Trump had with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they discussed efforts to secure the hostages' release and regional developments in Gaza and Syria. Trump's comments come in the wake of a 2023 attack by Hamas, where more than 250 hostages, including American citizens, were taken.