Trump warns of 'hell to pay' if Gaza hostages not released promptly

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, 2024. Photo: Reuters

WASHINGTON,— U.S. President-elect Donald Trump issued a serious warning on Monday of dire consequences in the Middle East if the hostages held in Gaza are not released before his swearing-in on January 20, 2025, saying there would be “hell to pay.”

This marks Trump’s most direct statement on the hostage situation since his election victory in November.

Hamas-led Islamic militants captured over 250 individuals during a deadly assault on Israel in October 2023, Israeli sources reported. Among those taken are dual Israeli-American citizens.

Approximately 101 hostages, both foreign and Israeli, are still being held in Gaza, with Israeli intelligence estimating that roughly half remain alive.

Trump took to social media to emphasize his position, stating, “[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.” He continued, “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America.”

Hamas has signaled a willingness to negotiate the release of remaining hostages but has tied such discussions to demands for an end to the conflict and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue the military campaign until Hamas is entirely dismantled and can no longer pose a threat.

On Monday, Hamas claimed that 33 hostages had been killed amid the ongoing conflict but withheld information about their nationalities.

Israel’s military campaign began following the October 7, 2023, attack, during which Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in what Israeli authorities described as a brutal, ISIS-style assault.

Both sides have endured substantial losses as a result of the conflict. While Gaza health officials, who have ties to Hamas, claim that more than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed, these figures are viewed with skepticism by external observers. The true number is believed to be significantly lower.

Efforts to secure the release of hostages have yielded some success. Over 100 individuals were freed in exchange for Gazans prisoners in November 2024, and Israeli forces have rescued eight hostages in military operations.

Hamas is officially classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, the European Union, Israel, Egypt, and Japan. This designation underscores the international consensus regarding the group’s violent tactics and aims.

Trump’s statement amplifies the stakes, signaling the possibility of increased U.S. involvement if the crisis remains unresolved by his inauguration.

Israeli Leaders Praise Trump’s Hostage Pledge

Israeli leaders on Tuesday praised U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to intensify pressure for the release of hostages held in Gaza, warning of severe consequences for Hamas.

Trump’s strong stance earned applause from Israeli ministers and families of the captives, who urged immediate action to secure their return.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commended the clarity of Trump’s position, rejecting calls for compromise with Hamas. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed support with a simple “Thank you, President Trump” on X. Meanwhile, Gaza residents braced for potential escalation.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)