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Trump Warns Hamas: Release Hostages by January 20 or 'There Will Be Hell to Pay'

Jan 7, 2025, 05:32 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that if hostages held in Gaza are not released by the time he takes office on January 20, "all hell will break out in the Middle East." In an interview on the Hugh Hewitt show, Trump emphasized that "there will be hell to pay" if the hostages are not returned, adding that the situation would not be good for Hamas or anyone else. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed the urgency of the situation, expressing hope for a hostage deal before the inauguration. The hostages have been held since the October 7 attacks, and Trump has reiterated his demands for their immediate release.