Trump threatens ‘hell to pay' in Middle East if Israeli hostages not freed

United States President-elect Donald Trump threatened that if hostages in Gaza are not released before he assumes office on January 20, 2025, “there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East.”

Signaling the direction of his foreign policy amid ongoing conflicts in the region, Trump declared the release of hostages his top priority upon his return to the White House.

According to reports, Trump is attempting to pave the way for a ceasefire, which has been hindered by a prolonged deadlock, before he formally takes charge.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, stating, "All talk, no action.”

He added, “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.”

Although Trump did not explicitly mention which side's hostages he was referring to, his well-documented closeness to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly suggests he was addressing the captives held by Hamas.

While Trump has pledged to end the war, he has yet to express any concern for the plight of Palestinians facing the relentless Israeli assault since October 7, 2023.

“Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” his post concluded.

Hamas has repeatedly offered to negotiate a ceasefire in exchange for releasing hostages. However, Israel has consistently obstructed these efforts, firmly stating that it will continue its offensive until “the end of Hamas.”

Trump’s appointment of pro-Israel officials to key foreign and security policy positions underscores his forthcoming administration’s likely prioritisation of Israeli interests in global politics.