Trump Warns ‘Hell To Pay’ If Gaza Hostages Not Freed Before His Inauguration

informantonline.com.ng

December 3, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump warned Gaza militants on Monday of severe consequences if hostages are not released by the time he assumes office.

His statement came after months of intense diplomatic efforts by outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration, which have yet to result in an agreement to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages taken 14 months ago.

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“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“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!”

Trump has pledged unwavering support for Israel, distancing himself from President Biden’s occasional criticisms, while also expressing his intention to broker international agreements.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the deadliest-ever attack on Israel, claiming 1,208 lives, the majority of which were civilians, based on an AFP count of Israeli government figures.

During the assault, militants took 251 hostages, some of whom were already dead. Of those, 97 remain in Gaza, with 35 of them believed to be dead, according to the Israeli military.

Israel’s retaliatory actions have resulted in the deaths of 44,429 people in Gaza, based on figures from the territory’s health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.