(MENAFN) President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, declaring that if the Palestinian militants do not release their remaining Israeli hostages before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, there will be severe repercussions in the Middle East. Trump made this statement on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that the hostages, who were taken during Hamas' assault on Israel in October, must be freed. While some hostages have been released, around 100 are still being held, with Hamas demanding an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for their release—something that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused. Trump vowed that those responsible for the hostages' captivity would face extreme consequences, more severe than anything the U.S. has ever done in its history.

Trump has previously expressed his desire to resolve global conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and has used threats of violence or economic sanctions to force foreign nations to negotiate. He also voiced his hope that Israel would end its war with Hamas before his swearing-in ceremony. Trump's ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, confirmed that Trump is focused on securing the release of the hostages and backing a ceasefire agreement that includes their release.

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