Donald Trump Warns Hamas to Release Hostages Before His Inauguration
US President-elect Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that “all hell will break out” if hostages held in Gaza are not released before his January 20 inauguration. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, criticizing the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and declaring that such actions should never have occurred.
“It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone,” Trump stated, underscoring the potential repercussions of inaction.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s designated special envoy to the Middle East, expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the hostages’ release. Witkoff credited Trump’s influence as a driving force behind the talks, which aim to save lives.
Despite Witkoff’s confidence, the Biden administration has adopted a more cautious tone. A senior official noted that while progress has been made, negotiations remain challenging. Efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire and secure the release of remaining hostages have faced repeated setbacks, even as the outgoing administration continues to collaborate with Trump’s incoming national security team.
In the backdrop of the ongoing crisis, Trump hinted at potentially bold geopolitical actions. He refused to rule out the use of “military or economic force” to gain control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing the need for economic security and global stability. He suggested that Greenland’s residents could choose independence or U.S. affiliation, while warning Denmark of potential tariffs.
The hostage crisis remains a critical challenge for both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump leadership, with the world closely watching for resolutions to one of the Middle East’s most complex conflicts.
