President-elect Donald Trump has issued a scathing warning to terrorist group Hamas, which still holds several Israeli and American hostages in Gaza.
In a post on Truth Social, the president-elect cautioned the terrorist group that they would face serious consequences if they do not release the Americans they have been holding hostage.
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“Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East,” Trump wrote. “But it’s all talk, and no action! 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.”
Trump further stated that the individuals responsible for taking and holding the hostages “will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America.”
Trump and his team have been preparing to take the reins on January 20, 2025. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who has emerged as a key advisor to the president-elect, noted that Trump “is more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal. He wants to see it happening now,” and indicated that the president-elect wants to see a resolution before Inauguration Day.
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Hamas released a disturbing video of American hostage Edan Alexander over the weekend. In the video, Alexander can be seen pleading with Trump to use “the full power of the U.S.” to secure his release. Yet, as RedState’s Bob Hoge pointed out, “Negotiations have been stalled for months as Hamas continues to play games and toy with Israeli and U.S. diplomats. The tenor is likely to change, however, on January 20 when Trump takes over, and he has vowed to take a tougher stand.”
Further inflaming the matter is the revelation of the death of another American named Omer Maxim Neutra, who was murdered during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. He was previously believed to be alive until news reports confirmed his death.
REPORT: Trump Wants American Hostages in Gaza Home Before Inauguration Day
UPDATE: Hamas Releases Video of American Hostage, Forces Him to Make Demands of Trump
Tragedy: IDF Confirms American Omer Maxim Neutra Killed During Oct. 7 Hamas Massacre
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Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the “American people trust him to lead our country and bring stability and peace back to the Middle East.”
The situation in Gaza remains tense as the Israeli Defense Forces work to eliminate the Hamas threat. When Trump takes office, it might just be what is needed to persuade Hamas to rethink its current approach.