Washington, December 3, 2024-U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has demanded the release of hostages held in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that failure to free the captives before his January 20, 2025, inauguration would trigger severe consequences, declaring: “There will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East.”
Approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with many presumed dead. Trump’s comments signal a potential shift in U.S. Middle East policy as frustrations persist over stalled diplomatic efforts.
