Washington, D.C., Dec 03 (V7N) — Donald Trump, recently elected as the next President of the United States, has issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza before his swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025.

In a post shared on his personal platform, Truth Social, on Monday, Trump stated, "If the hostages in Gaza are not released before the next US president is sworn in, those responsible for such atrocities in the Middle East and against humanity will face severe consequences."

This declaration follows the ongoing crisis in the region, where Hamas took more than 200 hostages during its unprecedented attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. Although some hostages have since been released, over 100 remain in captivity.

Israeli forces have retaliated with extensive military operations in Gaza, leading to significant casualties. Reports indicate that nearly 44,500 Palestinian civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives since the start of the conflict.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, confirmed the president-elect’s determination to secure the hostages' release and work toward a ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking in an interview, Graham said, "President-elect Trump is deeply committed to resolving this crisis before his inauguration."

The international community continues to watch closely as tensions in the Middle East escalate, with Trump’s statements signaling potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under his administration.

END/RH/AJ