Trump threatens terror if Gaza hostages are not freed before his inauguration

Following the exhaustive diplomacy by outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration that has so far failed to secure a deal that would both end Israel’s war in Gaza and free hostages seized 14 months ago, US President-elect Donald Trump has warned Gaza militants of massive repercussions if hostages are not released by the time he takes office.

Posting on his Truth Social Platform on Monday, Trump stated: “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.

“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!”

While Trump has declared his support for Israel while dispensing with Biden’s occasional criticism,  he has also disclosed his desire to secure deals on the world stage.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas staged the deadliest-ever attack on Israel. The assault resulted in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Over 251 hostages were seized by militants during the attack, some of whom were already dead. Of those, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 35 the army says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 44,429 people in Gaza, according to figures from the territory’s health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.