Trump appears to threaten Hamas with ‘all hell to pay’ over hostages

Monday’s Truth Social post by Trump gave few specifics, but appeared to refer to the hostages still held captive in Gaza by Hamas.

“Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire world, in the Middle East – but it’s all talk, and no action!” he wrote.

He went on to say: “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.”

The 20 January date refers to Trump’s inauguration, following his win in last month’s US presidential election.

His post continued: “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!”

In response, senior Hamas official Basem Naim told Reuters that Netanyahu had sabotaged all efforts to secure a deal that involved exchanging the hostages for Palestinians prisoners held by Israel.

“Therefore, we understand [Trump’s] message is directed first at Netanyahu and his government to end this evil game,” he told the news agency.

Netanyahu said Trump’s message was aimed at the “responsibility of Hamas” to release the hostages, and said the president-elect’s comment “adds another force to our continued effort to release all the hostages”.

His words echoed comments made during July’s Republican National Convention, when he threatened a “very big price” if hostages were not returned.

During the recent election campaign, Trump presented himself as the anti-war candidate, suggesting for example that he could end the conflict in Ukraine “in a day”.

A ceasefire in a linked conflict in Lebanon – between Israel and Hezbollah, a group allied to Hamas – came into effect last week, but has been threatened by fire from both sides.

After the Lebanon ceasefire was agreed, the US said it would make another push with regional powers for a ceasefire in Gaza, involving the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas from power.

Updating reporters on Monday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters: “The main stumbling block continues to be Hamas.”