US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. He claimed that there would be “Hell To Pay” if they were not freed by the time he was sworn into office.
In a Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that 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”.
He added, “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!”
According to an Associated Press (AP) report, it remains unclear whether Trump was suggesting a direct involvement in Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Trump’s allies said that he hoped there would be a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to be reached before he returns to office early next year.
In 2023, during the attack on Israel, Hamas militants captured over 250 people as per Israel, including Israeli-Americans. About half of the 101 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza and are likely alive. Meanwhile, Hamas has demanded an end to the war and a complete withdrawal from Gaza as a part of a deal to release the remaining hostages.
On Monday, Hamas said that 33 hostages in Gaza had been killed during the almost 14-month-old war between the Palestinian militant group and Israel in the enclave, without giving their nationalities.
Trump’s comments came hours after the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a US-Israeli citizen, whose body is still likely held by Hamas in Gaza, as per Israeli government.
Earlier, Hamas released a video of Edan Alexander, 20, who served in Israel’s military and was abducted and taken to Gaza.
According to Fox News, Alexander said he had been held hostage for 420 days and was forced to deliver a message to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. As per Fox News, Netanyahu spoke with Alexander’s family and is determined “to take every action to bring them back home”, the prime minister’s office said on Monday. He also called on Trump to work to negotiate for his freedom and that of the remaining Hamas hostages.
Alexander explained that he had been a prisoner for over 420 days and delivered forced messages to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. Netanyahu spoke with Alexander’s family and is determined “to take every action to bring them back home,” his office said Monday.
The country’s president, Isaac Herzog, welcomed Trump’s comments in a social media post. “Thank you and bless you Mr. President-elect @realDonaldTrump,” he wrote on X. “We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!”
According to Reuters, Netanyahu has said the war will go on until Hamas is eradicated and poses no more threat to Israel.