Trump warns of Middle East chaos over Israeli hostages

President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Monday, threatening military intervention in the Middle East if Israeli hostages held in Gaza are not released by January 20, 2025, the day he takes office.

Posting on social media, Trump declared, “If the [Israeli] 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.”

The statement, while vague on specifics, carries significant implications for a region already embroiled in conflict. Trump did not clarify which parties he would target or the nature of the potential U.S. response, leaving room for interpretation.

Currently, the Israeli military reports that at least 97 hostages or their remains remain in Gaza. Of these, it is believed that at least 35 are deceased. Hamas is also holding the remains of two Israeli soldiers killed a decade ago, as well as two Israelis captured in 2014 and 2015.

Trump’s fiery rhetoric is unlikely to yield immediate action or secure hostage releases, but it underscores the intensifying pressure on all parties involved. As the situation unfolds, the world will watch closely for any developments or responses to the president-elect’s ultimatum.