Tue Dec 03 06:21:43 UTC 2024: **Trump Threatens ‘Hell to Pay’ if Israeli Hostages Not Released Before Inauguration**
**NEW YORK (The Hindu) –** President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas on Monday, December 2nd, demanding the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. He vowed that failure to release the hostages before his January 20, 2025, inauguration would result in severe consequences for Hamas.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that those responsible for the hostages’ captivity will face unprecedented repercussions. While he didn’t explicitly detail his plans, the statement implied a potential escalation of US involvement in the ongoing conflict. His allies have indicated a hope for a ceasefire and hostage release before his return to office.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office declined to comment, but President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude for Trump’s statement on X (formerly Twitter).
This strong stance comes amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The October 7th Hamas attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of roughly 250 hostages, around 100 of whom remain in Gaza. The Israeli retaliatory operation has claimed the lives of at least 44,429 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, devastating the region and displacing most of the population.
The timing of Trump’s threat is significant, following the confirmation of the death of a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, Omer Neutra, whose body remains in Hamas’ possession, and the release of a hostage video by Hamas featuring Edan Alexander pleading for Trump’s intervention.
The Biden administration is currently attempting to broker renewed talks between Israel and Hamas, following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Hamas’ lack of engagement remains a significant obstacle.
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