Isreali hostages: Trump vows to unleash “hell” upon Hamas

United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has vowed that there would be “hell to pay” in the Middle East if hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza are not released before he assumes office on January 20, 2025.

The hostages, more than 250 individuals captured during the October 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel, include foreign nationals and dual Israeli-American citizens.

According to Israeli sources, roughly half of the remaining 101 hostages are believed to be alive and held incommunicado.

He said: “If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.”

Trump further warned that those responsible for the kidnappings would face severe retaliation, stating, “They will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America.”

Hamas has called for an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any agreement for the release of the remaining hostages.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed that the war will continue until Hamas is eradicated and no longer poses a threat to Israel.

On Monday, Hamas reported that 33 hostages in Gaza had been killed during the nearly 14-month-long conflict between the Palestinian militant group and Israel, though it did not provide their nationalities.

The war began after Hamas fighters attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, according to Israeli sources.

Israel’s military response has resulted in over 44,400 Palestinian deaths and displaced most of Gaza’s population, according to officials in Gaza. Large parts of the enclave are in ruins.

Situation report

The current situation with Israeli hostages in Gaza remains dire. Since October 7, 2023, Hamas has been holding numerous people captive in the Gaza Strip.

The hostages include Israeli citizens, as well as foreign nationals from countries like Thailand, Nepal, and the Philippines.

As of December 3, 2024, 117 hostages have been returned alive to Israel, while 37 bodies have been repatriated.

Unfortunately, 73 hostages are still believed to be held captive in Gaza.

The fate of these hostages remains uncertain, and their families continue to await news of their loved ones.

Hamas has been demanding the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

Israel has refused to negotiate with Hamas until the hostages are released.

This stalemate has led to a prolonged and difficult situation for the hostages and their families.

The international community has been involved in efforts to secure the release of the hostages.

Countries like Qatar have played a key role in mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, despite these efforts, a resolution has yet to be reached.

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