Donald Trump’s Stern Warning to Hamas on Hostage Release Ahead of His Inauguration

Washington, D.C. January 6, 2025

President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, stating that “all hell will break out” if hostages held in Gaza are not released before his January 20 inauguration. The comments highlight a sharp shift in tone from the outgoing Biden administration, which has spent over a year attempting to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas without success.

It will not be good for Hamas, and frankly, it will not be good for anyone. All hell will break out,” Trump declared, emphasizing that the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas “should have never happened.” Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed cautious optimism, citing significant progress in negotiations to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

The Biden administration confirmed close coordination with Trump’s national security team during the transition, despite ongoing challenges. A senior official described the talks as “difficult,” pushing back on Witkoff’s optimism by noting the complexity of reaching a deal with Hamas.

Negotiations have already been partially successful, with dozens of hostages released as part of the earlier ceasefire agreement, but neither side has been able to make further headway, and tensions across the region are high ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

In the same press conference, Trump expounded on his foreign policy vision, repeating scandalous plans to acquire Greenland and retake the Panama Canal. Asked whether military or economic pressure would be necessary to achieve either of these objectives, Trump was coy. “I can’t assure you on either of those two, but we need them for economic security,” he said.

He even went ahead to propose the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, terming it “a beautiful and appropriate name.” His remarks about Canada drew attention since he suggested the country become the 51st U.S. state, citing national security and economic benefits. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and it would be much better,” he said, with the only means of achieving this being “economic force.”. Trump criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama, calling it “a disgrace” and vowing to revisit the issue. “Jimmy Carter gave it to them for $1, and they were supposed to treat us well,” Trump said, adding that the canal’s current state is unacceptable.

Trump accused the Biden administration of blocking the transition process and said efforts were being made to “block the reforms” that Americans voted for. However, Trump’s return to the White House was certified without objection by Congress earlier this week with a resounding 312 electoral votes.

With January 20 approaching, an assertive tone from Trump on his first day in office could be a great beginning to the presidency, though it will undoubtedly come with heightened stakes globally and even more contentious ambitions domestically.