If hostages are not released before he takes office, Trump threatens to pay a "hell" price in the Middle East.

An Israeli-American hostage made a plea for release in a video released by Hamas, prompting a threat from Trump.

If hostages are not released before he takes office, Trump threatens to pay a "hell" price in the Middle East.
If hostages are not released before he takes office, Trump threatens to pay a "hell" price in the Middle East.

If Hamas does not release the hostages before President-elect Trump takes office on Jan. 20, there will be "all hell to pay."

Trump stated in a Truth Social post that no action had been taken to release those held by the Iran-backed terror group since October 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people and the kidnapping of at least 250 others.

At least seven of the hostages are Americans.

Trump and Netanyahu in Jerusalem
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Trump has promised "hell to pay" if hostages being held by Hamas are not released prior to when he takes office on Jan. 20. (AP/Sebastian Scheiner)

Trump wrote: "The hostages being held violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World in the Middle East are the subject of much discussion, but no concrete action is being taken."

If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, the date when I will assume the presidency of the United States, there will be dire consequences in the Middle East, and those responsible for committing these heinous acts against humanity will face severe retribution.

On Saturday, a video of an Israeli-American hostage was released by Hamas, with the hostage pleading for his freedom.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists abducted Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old man, who was seen covering his face and crying in the footage.

Edan Alexander
Edan Alexander, born in Tel Aviv and raised in New Jersey, is currently being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. (Hostage Family Forum)

Alexander, who had been imprisoned for over 420 days, delivered forced messages to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. Netanyahu's office stated that he is committed to taking every action to bring Alexander's family back home.

Trump stated that the individuals responsible for capturing hostages would face severe consequences, possibly greater than any individual has experienced in the country's history.

Despite efforts, a permanent cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas has not been reached over a year since the attacks. Israeli military operations in Gaza persist.

In November, Israel and Lebanon reached a cease-fire agreement after a year of attacks from Hezbollah in Israel's north. On Monday, Israel claimed that Hezbollah breached the cease-fire by launching two projectiles, but no one was injured.

Hamas to face 'more pressure' after Hezbollah ceasefire deal, expert says

Netanyahu stated that we will persist in enforcing the cease-fire and responding to any Hezbollah violation, regardless of its severity.

by Louis Casiano

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