Donald Trump has reinforced his unwavering support for Israel with a stern warning to Hamas. The former U.S. president and 2024 presidential frontrunner declared that if all hostages held by Hamas are not released before his return to office, there would be severe repercussions.
“If all hostages are not released by January 20, 2025, before I proudly take office as the President of the United States, Hamas will face dire consequences,” Trump stated on social media. He emphasized that those responsible for such atrocities would face a harsh response from the United States.
This statement comes as the Biden administration has struggled to broker a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict or secure the release of the hostages. The war, which began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, has lasted 14 months. The attack resulted in 1,208 fatalities and 251 hostages taken by Hamas.
While efforts have led to the release of some captives, Israeli authorities report that 97 individuals remain detained in Gaza. Among them, 35 are believed to have been killed by Hamas.
Trump’s declaration reaffirms his longstanding pro-Israel stance, which he had made clear during his campaign.
