US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday warned Palestinian armed groups in Gaza of massive repercussions if hostages are not freed before he takes office.
The threat follows extensive diplomatic efforts by outgoing President Joe Biden's administration, which has yet to secure a deal ending Israel's war in Gaza and freeing hostages captured 14 months ago .
“If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, when I proudly assume office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East and for those responsible who carried out these atrocities against humanity,” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“Those responsible will be hit harder than anyone in the long and storied history of the United States of America. FREE THE HOSTAGES NOW! »
Mr. Trump has promised to strongly support Israel and dispense with occasional criticism from Mr. Biden, but he has also signaled his desire to make deals on the international stage.
Hamas staged the deadliest attack ever against Israel on October 7, 2023. The assault left 1,208 people dead, most of them civilians, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli figures.
The militants took 251 hostages during the attack, some of whom were already dead. Among them, 97 are still detained in Gaza, of whom 35 have died according to the army.
Israel's campaign of retaliation has killed 44,429 people in Gaza, according to figures from the territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
With AFP
