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President-elect Donald Trump has issued an explicit warning to Hamas regarding Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. In a post on his social network Truth Social, Trump demanded the immediate release of the hostages before his official inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2025.
“If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, there will be HELL TO PAY in the Middle East,” he wrote. He added: “Those responsible will be hit harder than anyone in the long and storied history of the United States of America. FREE THE HOSTAGES IMMEDIATELY! »
That message did not specify whether Trump plans to directly involve U.S. military forces in Israel's campaign against Hamas, but the scale of the threat has sparked widespread speculation. People close to Trump nevertheless indicated that he hoped for a ceasefire agreement and the release of the hostages before his inauguration.
Reactions in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not officially commented on Trump's statement. However, President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude via a message on We are all praying for the time when our brothers and sisters will return home! »
Background of the hostages in Gaza
The situation of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the attacks of October 7, 2023 remains a priority for Israel and its international allies. During this offensive, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 Israeli civilians and captured around 250 people. To date, around 100 hostages remain held in Gaza, and two thirds of them are still alive, according to Israeli estimates.
Trump's announcement comes after the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen whose body is still being held by Hamas. Furthermore, a video recently released by Hamas shows a captured Israeli soldier, Edan Alexander, calling on Trump to negotiate for his release and that of the other hostages.
A disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza
Israeli retaliation against Gaza since the October attacks has caused massive human losses. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 44,429 Palestinians have been killed. The infrastructure of the coastal strip has been largely destroyed, and 90% of the 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced several times.
International pressures and American diplomacy
The Biden administration, currently running the day-to-day affairs, is seeking to restart negotiations between Israel and Hamas after securing a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, efforts to engage Hamas in talks remain unsuccessful. U.S. officials have said the militant group shows no willingness to negotiate, nor concerns for its own survival or that of Gazan civilians.
At the same time, the ceasefire in Lebanon is being strictly monitored, but tensions remain high. The situation in Gaza could further destabilize the fragile balance in the region.
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