Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Gaza militants, threatening severe consequences if hostages are not freed before he assumes office on January 20, 2025. The statement follows months of diplomatic efforts by outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration, which have so far failed to secure a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict or the release of hostages held for over a year.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared his intent to take decisive action if the situation remains unresolved. “If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity,” he wrote. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”
Trump’s comments signal a potential departure from Biden’s approach, which has combined staunch support for Israel with measured criticism. Trump has pledged unwavering backing for Israel while expressing his ambition to broker global agreements.
The crisis began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, claiming 1,208 lives, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli government data. Militants captured 251 hostages during the assault, some of whom were later found dead. According to the Israeli army, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, including 35 presumed dead.
Israel’s retaliatory strikes have led to extensive devastation in Gaza, where the health ministry reports 44,429 deaths. The United Nations has deemed these figures credible. The ongoing violence has intensified international calls for a resolution to the crisis.
