President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Tuesday, emphasizing that “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if Hamas fails to release hostages in Gaza by the time of his inauguration on January 20. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump declared, “We want to get back those hostages for Israel and for us.”
Nearly 100 hostages are currently believed to be held in Gaza, with some presumed dead. In an attempt to resolve, Hamas recently released a list of 34 hostages it is willing to free as part of a potential ceasefire agreement.
However, Hamas has tied the release to a cessation of Israeli military operations against Gaza—a condition Israel has rejected, insisting its military campaign will continue until all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.
Adding weight to Trump’s warning, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s designated envoy to the Middle East, reported “a lot of progress” in ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar.
Middle East on edge as Trump promises swift action if hostages remain captive.
Witkoff, who is not yet an official U.S. representative, acknowledged the sensitive nature of the talks but expressed optimism, stating, “I’m really hopeful that by the inauguration we’ll have some really good things to announce.”
Trump’s reputation and strong rhetoric, Witkoff suggested, are influencing negotiations. The president-elect’s clear stance has reportedly sent a powerful message to the parties involved. “Hopefully it’ll all work out, and we’ll save some lives,” Witkoff said.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump refrained from specifying what actions he would take if Hamas does not comply with his ultimatum.
His firm position, however, highlights the high stakes of the situation as the region braces for potential consequences should the hostages remain in captivity.
With just two weeks before his inauguration, Trump’s hardline approach underscores his commitment to addressing the hostage crisis swiftly and decisively. The world now watches as the clock ticks down, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the tense standoff.
