Monday’s Truth Social post from Trump had few specifics, but appeared to be referring to hostages still being held captive in Gaza by Hamas.
“Everyone talks about the hostages being held violently, inhumanely and against the will of the whole world in the Middle East, but it’s all talk and no action!” he wrote.
He went on to say: “If the hostages are not released by January 20, 2025, the date I proudly take office as President of the United States, there will be HELL TO PAY in the Middle East and for those who blame those who committed these atrocities against humanity.”
The January 20 date refers to Trump’s inauguration following his victory in the US presidential election last month.
His message continued: “The individuals responsible for this will suffer a greater blow than anyone in the long and storied history of the United States of America. FREE THE HOSTAGES!”
His words echoed comments made at the Republican National Convention in July, when he threatened a “very high price” if the hostages were not returned.
During the recent election campaign, Trump presented himself as an anti-war candidate, suggesting, for example, that he could end the conflict in Ukraine “in one day.”
A ceasefire in a related conflict in Lebanon – between Israel and Hezbollah, a group allied to Hamas – came into effect last week, but was under threat of fire from both sides.
After a ceasefire was agreed in Lebanon, the US said it would make another push with regional powers for a ceasefire in Gaza, including the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas from power.
In an update to reporters on Monday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, “Hamas continues to be the main stumbling block.”
