U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, threatening unprecedented military action if Israeli prisoners remain in custody by the time he assumes office on January 20, 2025.
In a post on the social media platform “Truth,” Trump stated, “Everyone talks about hostages held in violent, inhumane conditions against the will of the entire world in the Middle East—but it’s all talk and no action.”
He added with a sharp warning, “If the hostages are not released by January 20, 2025, the day I proudly take office as President of the United States, there will be hell to pay in the Middle East.”
Trump continued, “Those responsible for this will face a strike stronger than any in the long history of the United States.”
Hamas Responds to Escalating Tensions
On Monday, Hamas revealed that 33 Israeli prisoners have been killed, with others unaccounted for, since the beginning of Israel’s aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his “fascist” military of being directly responsible for the deaths of these prisoners. The group warned, “With your continued reckless war, you may lose your prisoners forever. Do what you must before it’s too late.”
The families of the prisoners, meanwhile, have voiced their frustration. On Monday, they criticized Netanyahu, along with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of prioritizing settlement expansion in Gaza over securing a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
Trump’s Influence on Israeli Leadership
According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, the families of the prisoners have called on President-elect Trump to pressure Netanyahu to finalize a prisoner exchange agreement, citing Trump as having “the most influence” over the Israeli Prime Minister.
In a related development, Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, released a video on Saturday featuring an Israeli-American prisoner. In the footage, the prisoner appeals directly to Trump, saying, “Please use your influence and every possible means to negotiate for our freedom.”
