In a fiery press conference at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages still held in Gaza. With characteristic bluntness, Trump warned that if all hostages were not released by his Inauguration Day on January 20, there would be devastating consequences for the region.
“All h-ll will break out,” Trump declared. “If they’re not back by the time I get into office, all h-ll will break out in the Middle East. It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone.” “They should have never committed the attack of October 7,” Trump emphasized. “They should have never taken them.”
According to Israeli intelligence as of November, around 97 of the original 251 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza. Of these, an estimated 50 may still be alive, though exact figures are difficult to confirm due to the complex and dangerous nature of the situation.
Trump’s ally and incoming special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, reinforced the president-elect’s warning. “I think they heard him loud and clear,” Witkoff said. “This better get done by the inaugural.” He dismissed the notion that Hamas might stall negotiations, expressing confidence that Trump’s message would spur action.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump warns, “If those hostages aren’t back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East. And it will not be good for Hamas. And it will not be good frankly for anyone.”
pic.twitter.com/m2lUJi0xF1— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 7, 2025
Trump’s approach signals a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward Hamas and the Middle East as he prepares to assume office. While many have criticized his confrontational tone, his supporters argue that his directness is exactly what’s needed to address the volatile situation.
Hamas has shown little willingness to release hostages despite international pressure. Trump’s hardline stance sets the stage for potential escalation if the situation is not resolved before January 20.
As the clock ticks down to Inauguration Day, all eyes will be on the Gaza Strip and Hamas’ response. Whether Trump’s ultimatum leads to the hostages’ release or intensifies tensions in the region remains to be seen, but Trump is not planning to back down.
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