Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election, said on Monday that there would be ‘devastation’ in the Middle East if hostages in the Gaza Strip are not released before his inauguration on January 20. According to Israeli figures, during the attack on Israel last year, Hamas terrorists had taken more than 250 people hostage. Israeli-American citizens were also included in this. About half of the 101 foreign and Israeli hostages still held in Gaza are estimated to be alive.
Trump’s threat
Trump said in his statement that if the hostages are not released by January 20, 2025, there will be devastation in the Middle East. Strict action will be taken against those who are committing these atrocities against humanity. He said that people who do this will be given the biggest punishment in the history of America. Trump said that if action is not taken at the right time, America will give such punishment which no one has received till date.
On the other hand, Hamas has demanded the release of hostages, an end to the war, and Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the war will continue until Hamas is completely destroyed. Let us tell you here that even in Israel, voices of protest are being raised against Netanyahu for releasing the hostages. Amidst all this, Hamas said on Monday that 33 hostages have died in Gaza. However, he did not reveal anything about his citizenship.
Let it be known that Israel started the war on October 7, 2023, after terrorists led by Hamas attacked Israeli communities. In which 1200 people died. Israeli military operations have so far killed more than 44,400 Palestinians and displaced much of Gaza’s population. According to Gaza officials, large parts of Gaza have been completely destroyed.