Chicago January 8, 2025
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying that “all hell will break out” if the terrorist organization does not release the hostages it is holding in Gaza by January 20, when Trump takes office.
Speaking alongside Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, Trump refused to elaborate on what consequences Hamas would face if it fails to meet the deadline. “Do I have to define it for you?” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question. “I don’t have to say any more, but that’s what it is”.
The warning comes after months of failed negotiations between Hamas and Israel, with the Biden administration and other leaders from the region trying to broker a ceasefire. Despite some progress, no deal has been reached, and the situation remains tense.
Witkoff expressed optimism that a deal could be reached soon, saying that “we’ve had some really great progress” and that he is “hopeful that by the inaugural, we’ll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president”.
The stakes are high, with around 50 people believed to be alive and in Hamas captivity, and at least 38 others who were taken hostage and killed while in captivity.
