Official announcements from the Israeli government or credible international news agencies

Trump Warns Hamas of Dire Consequences If 96 Hostages Not Released by Jan. 20; IDF Prepares for Action

Jan 10, 2025, 08:47 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that 'all hell will break out' if the group does not release the 96 hostages it holds in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20. Trump's comments were made during a news conference, emphasizing that failure to secure a hostage release deal by the Jan. 20 deadline would lead to severe consequences for Hamas and potentially destabilize the Middle East. In response to Trump's ultimatum, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a military plan for the 'complete defeat' of Hamas in Gaza if no hostage deal is reached by the time Trump takes office. Additionally, relatives of the seven American hostages held by Hamas have announced their intention to attend Trump's inauguration, hoping to leverage the event to press for the release of their loved ones. The families are also scheduled to meet with officials from the incoming Trump administration during their stay in Washington.