Trump Threatens ‘All Hell’ if Gaza Hostages Unreleased Before Jan. 20/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump warned Hamas that failure to release Gaza hostages by his January 20 inauguration will result in “all hell” breaking out in the Middle East. Incoming special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about ongoing ceasefire negotiations, but a senior Biden official described the talks as “difficult.” Trump’s remarks underscore growing tensions as efforts to secure the hostages continue.
Trump’s Gaza Hostage Warning: Quick Looks
- Hostage Deadline: Trump demanded Hamas release Gaza hostages before January 20 or face severe consequences.
- Ceasefire Talks: Incoming envoy Steve Witkoff remains hopeful about progress in negotiations.
- Biden’s Efforts: Outgoing administration officials call the situation “challenging.”
- Middle East Envoys: Witkoff plans to travel to Qatar; Biden’s Brett McGurk continues negotiations.
- October 7 Attack: Trump criticized Hamas for its 2023 assault on Israel.
Trump Threatens ‘All Hell’ if Gaza Hostages Unreleased Before Jan. 20
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump delivered a stark warning Tuesday at Mar-a-Lago, stating that failure by Hamas to release hostages in Gaza by January 20, his inauguration day, will lead to severe consequences.
“All hell will break out in the Middle East,” Trump declared, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Trump’s Strong Words on Hostage Crisis
Trump’s remarks underscored his intent to pressure Hamas into action.
“It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone,” he said, referencing the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that initially sparked the hostage crisis.
While details on potential actions remain undisclosed, Trump’s rhetoric signals a hardline approach to securing the release of remaining hostages.
Optimism from Incoming Envoy
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s pick for special envoy to the Middle East, struck a more hopeful tone during the conference. He highlighted significant progress in negotiations and expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement.
“It’s the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation,” Witkoff remarked, adding that he was hopeful for positive developments before the inauguration. Witkoff plans to travel to Doha, Qatar, where key talks are taking place.
Biden Administration’s Perspective
A senior official in the outgoing Biden administration offered a contrasting view, describing the negotiations as “difficult.” Despite months of efforts, including a short-lived ceasefire after the October 7 attack, attempts to secure additional hostage releases have stalled.
Brett McGurk, the White House Middle East coordinator, is currently in the region continuing talks, working alongside Witkoff and Trump’s incoming national security team.
The Road Ahead
The January 20 deadline adds pressure to an already volatile situation. Trump’s strong stance, paired with efforts by both incoming and outgoing administrations, reflects the urgency of resolving the hostage crisis. However, the complexities of the Middle East conflict mean significant hurdles remain, even as negotiations continue.
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