Trump Warns Hamas: Release Israeli Hostages Before Inauguration, or Face ‘Disaster‘
In his final days in office, outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, urging the Palestinian militant group to release Israeli hostages before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration or face "a big disaster."
Trump, who has been a strong supporter of Israel throughout his presidency, made the remarks in an interview with an Israeli news outlet. He expressed concern over the fate of two Israeli civilians and the remains of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
"Hamas needs to understand that the U.S. will not tolerate this behavior," Trump said. "If they don’t release these hostages before the inauguration, it’s going to be a very bad decision for them, and for the people of Gaza."
Trump’s warning comes as the Biden administration prepares to take office, with Secretary of State-designate Antony Blinken expressing confidence in his confirmation hearing that the U.S. can push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, Hamas has offered to release 34 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of a Hamas member and two Palestinian women held in Israeli jails. The offer comes after the recent release of a video showing an Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas for more than five years.
The situation remains tense in the Middle East, with fears of a potential conflict between Israel and Hamas rising as the Biden administration prepares to take over. As the clock ticks down to Biden’s inauguration, all eyes are on Hamas and its response to Trump’s warning.
