Trump Ultimatum to Hamas: Release Hostages or Face Severe Retaliation – Hamas was put on notice by President-elect Donald Trump, who claimed that he expects the hostage-takers in Gaza to free their captives before the learning transfer of the presidency and assume office on 20th January 2025.
Making the statement on Truth Social, the former president warned that noncompliance with the attempts will cause never-before-seen punishments for the culprits. It is estimated that the Hamas attack began on 7th October 2023, and 250 hostages from the Israelis were captured; up to now, 100 of them are still being held hostage; 33 of them are presumed dead by Israelis.
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Trump blasted current approaches as “all words and no deeds,” and nine promised his team would be more forceful. His words suggest a change of direction concerning Middle East policy and the immediate and determined action against those guilty of such an act.
It has negotiated with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt to establish a ceasefire and the freeing of hostages. Earlier attempts helped free 105 hostages over a year ago, but the negotiation process seemed dead.
Israel’s defense forces have been able to carry out some rescue missions, and protests across Israel show increasing displeasure with PM Netanyahu’s management of the crisis. Opponents have blamed Netanyahu for focusing more on his chances for re-election to continue remaining in the prime minister’s office than on securing the hostages’ release.
Hamas recently broadcast a propaganda video that includes a trembling American-Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander, 20, who appealed to Trump for his help. Still, Trump has earlier said that those who keep kidnap victims would get a very hot reception, ensuring his administration’s commitment to assert the hostages’ release. This latest request indicates the likely use of force to extricate the nation from this crisis upon his inauguration.
