Twist in Hamas-Israel war as Donald Trump issues stern warning to Hamas, asks to release all hostages from Gaza or else….

Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded an end to the war and Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.

New Delhi: In a stern message, the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump on Monday said that if the hostages held in the Gaza strip are not released before his January 20 oath-taking ceremony, the Middle East will face ‘devastation’. During last year’s attack on Israel, Hamas militants took more than 250 people hostage, including Israeli-American citizens, according to the Israeli officials. It is estimated that of the 101 foreign and Israeli hostages are still in Gaza and about half are believed to be alive.

Donald Trump Issues Statement

In his statement, Donald Trump said, “If the hostages are not released by January 20, 2025, there will be devastation in the Middle East. Strict action will be taken against those committing these atrocities against humanity.” He further stated, “Those responsible for this will face the greatest punishment in American history.” Trump warned that if timely actions are not taken, then the United States will deliver a punishment unlike anything ever seen before.

Hamas Demand End of War:

Hamas, on the other hand, has demanded an end to the war and Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the war will continue until Hamas is completely eradicated.

It is important to note that there have been voices of protest in Israel as well, calling for Netanyahu to secure the release of the hostages.

33 Hostages Dead in Gaza

On Monday, Hamas claimed that 33 hostages had died in Gaza, though they did not disclose their nationalities.

It is worth noting that Israel initiated the war on October 7, 2023, following attacks on Israeli communities by Hamas-led militants, which resulted in the death of 1,200 people. So far, Israeli military operations have killed over 44,400 Palestinians, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced.