Trump warns Middle East leaders, terrorists of consequences if hostages aren’t released

(Daily Caller News Foundation) – President-elect Donald Trump released a statement Monday on social media warning Middle East leaders and terrorists about the consequences they could face if hostages from the Israel-Hamas war are not released before Inauguration Day.

While some hostages taken over a year ago by the terrorist group have been released, 101 people are still in Gaza, with seven reportedly being U.S. citizens, according to Fox News. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned there will be “hell to pay” for those perpetrating “atrocities against humanity.”

“Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East – But it’s all talk, and no action!” Trump wrote.

“Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that 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,” Trump said. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”

Tensions between Israel and Gaza have yet to subside. This, as the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Sunday they would be halting their deliveries for aid through the main cargo crossing due to threats of armed gangs who reportedly have looted the convoys, according to the Associated Press. Parents of the seven American hostages pleaded last month to U.S. and Israeli officials, asking for a “sense of urgency” to help release the hostages.

“Our plea is that this is urgent, and I’m not sure we’re seeing the sense of urgency,” the mother of hostage Omer Neutra, who was 21-years-old at the time of his capture, told Fox Digital.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said negotiations for a deal to secure the hostages are taking place “behind the scenes,” according to The Times of Israel.