United States President-elect Donald Trump forcefully reiterated his threat regarding the Gaza hostage situation during a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. “It will be hell in the Middle East, and it will not be good for Hamas or for anyone,” he declared, insisting on the urgency of a release before his inauguration on January 20.
In a speech, Trump spoke of the heartbreaking calls he received from parents of American-Israeli hostages, pleading for his help to recover even their child’s remains. He particularly referred to the tragic case of Shani Louk, describing with indignation how “this beautiful young woman was dragged by her ponytail and thrown into a car like a sack of potatoes.”
The future president strongly condemned Hamas’ actions, emphasizing that the hostages should have been released long ago and that the October 7 attack should never have taken place. Trump also introduced his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, calling him a “great negotiator.” “We have people who know everything about the Middle East, but who don’t know how to express themselves properly… He’s an excellent negotiator. That’s exactly what I need,” he said .
This muscular stance comes as negotiations for the release of the hostages continue, adding new pressure on Hamas a few weeks before Trump’s inauguration.
