Donald Trump has said there would be “hell to pay” unless the hostages held in Gaza were released ahead of his inauguration.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, the president-elect said that if his demand was not met: “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America.”
The statement did not mention Hamas by name, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Mr Trump for his message, while one of his ministers said it was “refreshing”.
Mr Trump said: “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire world, in the Middle East – but it’s all talk, and no action!”
It is believed there could be around 100 Israeli hostages still in Gaza after around 250 were taken during the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas.
Mr Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting on Tuesday: “Hamas is required to release the hostages. President Trump put the emphasis in the right place, on Hamas, and not on the Israeli government, as is customary (elsewhere).”
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Hamas also responded to Mr Trump’s post about the hostages, accusing Mr Netanyahu of sabotaging all efforts to secure a deal.
Hamas official Basem Naim said: “Therefore, we understand (Mr Trump’s) message is directed first at Netanyahu and his government to end this evil game.”