United States President-elect Donald Trump has issued a renewed warning to Hamas, stating that “all hell is going to break out” if the group does not release its hostages before January 20, the day of his inauguration. Trump made the comments following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing their conversation as a “recap” of ongoing developments in Gaza.
Speaking at a press conference at his resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump emphasised that his administration would take action if the hostages were not returned by the deadline. “As you know, I gave a warning that if these hostages aren’t back home by that date, all hell is going to break out,” he said.
The situation stems from Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, during which around 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 individuals, including Israeli-American dual nationals, were taken hostage. Since then, over 100 hostages have been freed through negotiations or Israeli military invasions, while roughly 100 remain in captivity, with half believed to be alive.
On Monday, at least 43 Palestinians were reportedly killed when Israel bombed displaced people in the Khalil Awida School in Beit Hanoun. Another 42 were killed in an attack on the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp, while Al-Bureij camp saw the Al-Qurenaoui family targeted.
President Joe Biden’s administration continues efforts to broker a ceasefire deal. Senior aides were recently dispatched to the region to accelerate negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
