NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump is insisting on the urgent release of Israeli hostages who are still being held in Gaza. He warned that failure to secure their freedom before his presidential inauguration would result in serious repercussions.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “Let this TRUTH stand as a warning: If the hostages are not freed before January 20, 2025, the day I take office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and those who orchestrated these heinous acts against humanity will face consequences.”
Trump also emphasized that “Those responsible will be affected more severely than anyone in the long and notable history of the United States. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, and leading to the abduction of around 250 individuals.
Trump’s strong commentary came shortly after the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Israel. His remains are reported to still be in the possession of Hamas in Gaza.
In a separate development, Hamas released a video showing Edan Alexander, an Israeli military member who was taken captive. The video, which appears to have been made under coercion, features Alexander urging Trump to take action towards negotiating not only his own release but also that of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
