US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (7 January) issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages before his inauguration on 20 January, 2025.
Speaking at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Trump declared, “All hell will break out. If those hostages aren’t back, I don’t want to hurt your negotiation, but if they’re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East.”
The remarks came as negotiations continued for the release of American hostages held by Hamas.
Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steven Charles Witkoff, who recently returned from the region, expressed cautious optimism about the progress being made.
“I believe we’ve been on the verge of it. I don’t want to discuss what’s delayed it, no point to be negative in any way. But I think it’s the president, his stature, what he’s said he expects, the red lines he’s put out there, that’s driving this negotiation,” Witkoff stated.
Witkoff highlighted the ongoing efforts in Doha, Qatar, and confirmed his plans to return to the region to continue facilitating the talks.
“I think we’ve had some really great progress, and I’m really hopeful that by the inauguration we’ll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president,” he said.
Trump reiterated his demand for the hostages’ release, warning of severe consequences if the situation remained unresolved.
“It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don’t have to say anymore, but that’s what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago — they should have never taken them,” he said.
Referring to the 7 October 2022, attack, Trump lamented the loss of lives and recounted emotional pleas from families seeking the return of their loved ones.
He condemned the treatment of hostages, sharing a harrowing account of a young woman’s tragic fate.
While applauding the progress made, Trump reiterated his firm stance, warning, “If the deal isn’t done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East.”
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