President-elect Donald Trump has issued a strong demand for the immediate release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they remain captive by the time he assumes office on January 20, 2025.
In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized that if the hostages are not freed, those responsible will face unprecedented retaliation, declaring, “There will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East.”
This statement comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages. Trump’s comments follow the confirmation of the death of Omer Neutra, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, whose remains are believed to be held by Hamas.
Additionally, Hamas recently released a video of Edan Alexander, an Israeli soldier held captive, urging Trump to negotiate for the hostages’ release.
