Trump threatens to unleash chaos if hostages are not returned by inauguration.

President-elect Trump repeated that "all hell will break out" if the hostages in Gaza are not released before he takes office on Jan. 20.

In December, Trump made threats against the Hamas terrorist organization, which has been holding 96 hostages, with only 50 of them still believed to be alive, including three Americans.

Trump stated that "all hell will break out" while speaking alongside Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East, who has joined cease-fire negotiations with the Biden administration and leaders from Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and Hamas.

If the hostages are not returned by the time I take office, there will be chaos in the Middle East, according to Witkoff.

Trump declined to provide specifics on how this would impact Hamas, and the Trump transition team has not disclosed to Planet Chronicle Digital what kind of action the president-elect may take.

Trump responded to a reporter's question by saying, "Do I need to clarify it for you?"

He added, "I don't need to say anything more; that's the situation."

Witkoff stated that he would travel to the Middle East on either Tuesday night or Wednesday to continue cease-fire talks.

Despite renewed optimism in the weeks leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah, no cease-fire deal was reached before the New Year after 14 months of talks failed to bring hostages home and resulted in a mounting number of deaths.

Nearly 460 days after the hostages were taken in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Witkoff remained optimistic that a deal could be reached soon.

""I believe we've made significant advancements and I'm optimistic that by the inaugural, we'll have positive news to share on behalf of the president. Despite our differences, I think we're working together effectively. However, it's the president's reputation and statements that are driving this negotiation. I hope it all works out and we can save lives," Witkoff stated to reporters."

At least 50 people are believed to be alive and in Hamas captivity, while the terrorist group is also believed to be holding at least 38 hostages who were killed while in captivity, as well as seven who were killed on Oct. 7, 2023, and then taken into Gaza.