United States President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning to Hamas. He declared that “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are not released before his inauguration on January 20. He also condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. “There should have never been the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel,” added Trump.

What Did Trump Say?

Trump’s warning came during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Tuesday. He said, “It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone. All hell will break out. I don’t have to say anymore, but that’s what it is.”

This is not the first time that Trump has warned Hamas for its actions. Earlier, he said,” Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that 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. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America.”

Steve Witkoff Expresses Optimism Over Ceasefire Talks

Steve Witkoff, chosen by Trump to serve as the special envoy to the Middle East, expressed an optimistic view about the state of negotiations to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that would secure the release of the hostages, saying negotiators are “making a lot of progress,” CNN reported.

He further said, “It’s the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation, and so hopefully it’ll all work out and we’ll save some lives.” Earlier, it was reported that Biden administration officials were taking the lead in the talks, while their incoming Trump counterparts were being updated regarding the developments.