President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his warning that the Middle East will face severe repercussions if hostages taken by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are not released before his inauguration on January 20.
“It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone,” Trump stated during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. “All hell will break out. I don’t have to say anymore, but that’s what it is.”
Trump expressed unwavering support for Israel and emphasized his commitment to achieving peace in the region, acknowledging the prolonged nature of the conflict.
“I have to add, I am also for peace. It’s time. This fight has been going on for too long,” he said, referencing the war between Hamas and Israel that began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, also spoke at the press conference, sharing optimism about progress in negotiations to release around 100 hostages held in Gaza.
Witkoff, who recently returned from discussions in Doha, Qatar, on a potential hostage release deal, expressed hope for a resolution before the inauguration. “I believe we’ve been on the verge of it. I don’t want to discuss sort of what’s delayed it,” he said, adding that he plans to return to the region this week to continue talks.
