The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, said this Monday (2) that extremist groups in the Gaza Strip, in reference to Hamas, “will pay dearly” if the hostages still held captive in the Palestinian territory are not released before of his inauguration, which will take place next month.
“If the hostages are not released before January 20, 2025, the date on which I will proudly assume the role of President of the United States, those who committed atrocities against humanity will pay dearly,” wrote the Republican on his platform, Truth Social. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anyone in the long and legendary history of the United States. Release the hostages now!”
Trump promises firm support for Israel, the country that is the US’s biggest ally in the Middle East. The current president, Joe Biden, adopts a similar stance, although he has occasionally criticized the way Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu conducts the military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Beginning in October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has already caused more than 44,000 deaths and displaced almost the entire population of the region at least once, according to authorities in the territory. The conflict began with the mega-attack carried out by Hamas members on Israeli territory.
The terrorists murdered around 1,200 people and kidnapped another 251 people, 97 of whom are still held captive in Gaza — the Israeli Army estimates that 34 of them are dead.
On Sunday (1st), the US government said that there is still a “way to go” to establish a ceasefire and release hostages in Gaza.
“There will be more conversations and consultations. Our hope is that we can reach an agreement, but we haven’t yet,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told NBC. “We are engaged with all actors in the region.”
The comments were made a day after Israel attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon even after the start of a truce signed last week between the parties, which has been disrespected. The advisor praised the dialogues and said that Washington is also making efforts to ensure that the agreement is implemented effectively.
In March, Trump stated in an interview that only a fool would not have reacted like Israel after the Hamas attacks on October 7th. The Republican leader, however, said that Tel Aviv should end the war in Gaza.
During the campaign for the White House, Trump held Biden responsible for the crisis in the region and said that the Democrat is not respected by extremist leaders. Critical of American spending on wars involving other countries, he also promised to quickly end conflicts, including the Ukrainian War.
