Washington, Jan 8: President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that “all hell will break loose in the Middle East” if the hostages held by Hamas are not released by Inauguration Day, repeating this assertion multiple times.
While Trump did not provide specifics on the actions he may take if the hostages are not freed by the time he assumes office, officials indicate that around 100 hostages, including some American citizens, captured on October 7, 2023, are still being held in Gaza, with many believed to have possibly perished during captivity.
“All hell will break out. If those hostages aren’t back, I don’t want to hinder your negotiation, but if they are not released by the time I take office, all hell will break loose in the Middle East,” Trump stated during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Trump’s inauguration is set for January 20, marking his commencement as the 47th President of the United States.
He was addressing inquiries concerning the current negotiations with Hamas regarding the release of American hostages. His Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steven Charles Witkoff, recently returned from the region, expressing optimism about the ongoing negotiations.
“I believe we are close to a resolution. While I prefer not to delve into what might have caused delays, I think it’s the president, his stature, and the red lines he has established that are shaping this negotiation,” Witkoff remarked.
Emphasizing progress, he added: “I don’t want to disclose too much, as things are being handled very effectively in Doha. I’m heading back there tomorrow. However, I’m optimistic that by the inauguration, we’ll have positive developments to share on behalf of the president.” Witkoff continued, “I genuinely believe we are collaborating effectively, and the president’s reputation and stated expectations are driving this negotiation. Hopefully, it will result in saving lives.”
Negotiations between Hamas and Israel are underway in Qatar, and Hamas has recently identified 34 hostages in Gaza, including two dual US citizens, that they would be inclined to release as part of a ceasefire agreement, according to the National Public Radio.
In response to a question, Trump cautioned Hamas to release all hostages before January 20.
“It would not bode well for Hamas, nor for anyone involved. All hell will break loose. I don’t need to elaborate further, that’s simply the reality. They should have returned them long before — they should never have taken them in the first place. The attack on October 7 should never have occurred. Many have forgotten, but it did happen, and many lives were lost,” he said.
“These individuals are no longer just hostages. I have been contacted by families from Israel and elsewhere pleading for assistance — we also had US citizens among them. Parents have approached me, tearfully asking for their children’s remains to be returned,” he recounted.
“That beautiful young girl who was treated so terribly, forcibly taken away. I asked about her fate. They told me she’s deceased. She was just a young woman, not even 20 years old. The way they treated her is deplorable,” he remarked, while commending his special envoy for the progress achieved thus far.
“I reiterate, I don’t want to jeopardize the negotiations. If a deal is not finalized before I take office, which is now only two weeks away, all hell will break loose in the Middle East,” Trump stated.
For over a year, the Biden administration has been striving unsuccessfully to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza. The initial ceasefire—established weeks after the October 7 attack—led to the release of numerous hostages, but subsequent attempts to pause hostilities and secure further hostage releases have stalled. (PTI)
