Islamabad, Dec 3: Donald Trump, the US president-elect, issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that if Hamas does not release the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza before he assumes office in January, it will result in serious consequences in the Middle East.
Trump’s remarks came as the current administration, led by Joe Biden, intensifies efforts to negotiate a deal between Israel and Hamas that exchanges hostages for a ceasefire. This follows a successful agreement last week that ended the conflict between Israel and Hizbollah in Lebanon.
Using his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that if the hostages remain captive by January 20, 2025, when his term begins, there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East.” He added that those responsible for the atrocities would face unprecedented repercussions, though he did not specify whether these would involve military actions or other measures. His campaign did not clarify these comments when approached for a response.
For over a year, US diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and secure the hostages’ release have struggled to make progress. Observers have suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may delay any agreement until after the US elections. However, Trump’s strong stance could inject new momentum into the negotiations.
US officials report a more cooperative attitude from Israeli authorities in recent days, partially influenced by the ceasefire in Lebanon, which has created fresh diplomatic opportunities.
Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Netanyahu, met with Biden administration officials in Washington on Monday and will meet with Trump campaign representatives in Florida to discuss potential agreements.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s retaliation to Hamas’s October 7 attack has resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths. The assault by Hamas militants claimed 1,200 Israeli lives, with 250 individuals taken hostage, Israeli officials report.
Trump’s administration is expected to prioritize countering Iran in its Middle East policy and intensify efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Achieving a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel would allow the administration to concentrate on these priorities.
Biden and Trump discussed the ongoing ceasefire negotiations during a recent meeting in the Oval Office. Biden’s officials have also briefed Trump’s incoming team, including Mike Waltz, the designated national security adviser, and Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy, about the status of the talks.
