Wed Jan 08 02:05:42 UTC 2025: ## Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas: Release Hostages by January 20 or Face “All Hell Breaking Loose”

**MAR-A-LAGO, FLORIDA —** President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas on Tuesday, demanding the release of all American hostages held by the group by his January 20th inauguration. Failing to meet this deadline, Trump declared, will unleash chaos in the Middle East.

“All hell will break out,” Trump stated during a press conference. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the emotional toll on families of victims, including the reported death of a young American woman who was brutally treated by Hamas.

Trump’s comments followed a briefing from his Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steven Charles Witkoff, who reported significant progress in negotiations. While optimistic about a potential breakthrough, Witkoff underscored the crucial role of Trump’s impending presidency in driving the negotiations forward. He stated that Trump’s strong stance and public declarations were key factors influencing Hamas.

Witkoff is returning to Doha to continue negotiations, aiming for a resolution before the inauguration. He expressed confidence, stating, “I think that we’ve had some really great progress and I’m really hopeful that by the inauguration we’ll have some good things to announce.”

Trump’s ultimatum comes amidst ongoing efforts to secure the release of American hostages, and he directly linked a failure to comply with the impending escalation of conflict in the Middle East. He underscored the severity of the situation by reminding everyone of the October 7, 2022 attack and the subsequent loss of lives. The President-elect’s forceful language aims to put maximum pressure on Hamas to secure the release of the hostages before he assumes office.

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