US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a public warning to Hamas, threatening “all hell will pay” if hostages held by the Palestinian group in Gaza are not released when he returns to the White House on 20 January.
The number of people abducted during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 by Hamas is still unknown. On Monday, the Israeli military said an Israeli-American soldier believed to be a prisoner was actually killed last October.
Without mentioning Hamas by name, Trump posted on the Internet the same day: “Those involved will be hit harder than any other person has been hit in the long history and history of the United States of America.”
Trump has talked about ending foreign conflicts, and reducing US involvement.
He has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel while campaigning in Gaza, but has called on the US coalition to end military operations.
Israel launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group's unprecedented attacks in southern Israel in 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were captured.
More than 44,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the area. Tens of thousands of others were injured and much of Palestine was left in ruins.
On Monday, Israel revealed a new death in the 2023 Hamas attack – it said Israeli-American soldier Omer Neutra was killed that day, his body taken to Gaza. Earlier it is believed that he was arrested but alive.
US President Joe Biden was one of those who paid tribute to the 21-year-old, saying he was “saddened and angry” by Neutra's death.
In recent days, Hamas has also released a video it says will show another Israeli-American caught in the attack, hostage Edan Alexander.
In this clip, when he appears distressed, the man asks Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss his freedom.
Monday's Truth Social post by Trump provided few details, but appeared to refer to hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
“Everybody is talking about hostages held violently, brutally, and against the will of the world, in the Middle East – but all talk, no action!” writing.
He continued: “If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, the day I proudly take office as President of the United States, there will be EVERYTHING TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in the United States.” the crime he committed these evil deeds against humanity.”
The date of January 20 refers to Trump's inauguration, following his victory in the US presidential election last month.
His post continued: “Those responsible will be hit harder than anyone else in the long and storied history of the United States of America. FREE THE TRANSPORTERS NOW!”
His words echoed those made during the July National Conference, when he threatened “a very large price” if the hostages were not returned.
During the recent election campaign, Trump portrayed himself as anti-war, suggesting for example that he could end the conflict in Ukraine “in a day”.
A ceasefire in Lebanon – between Israel and Hezbollah, a group allied with Hamas – came into effect last week, but they were threatened with fire from both sides.
After Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire, the US said it would make another push with regional power to end the violence in Gaza, including the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas from power.
Briefing reporters on Monday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters: “The biggest stumbling block continues to be Hamas.”
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