US President-elect Donald Trump has warned of severe repercussions in the Middle East if hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are not released before his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Speaking on social media, Trump emphasized that there would be “hell to pay” for those responsible for the hostage-taking, which includes over 250 people captured during Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. The hostages include both Israeli and dual Israeli-American nationals.

Trump vowed that the perpetrators of the attacks would face unprecedented consequences if the hostages remain captive by the time he assumes office. He further stated that those responsible would be hit harder than any adversary in U.S. history.

As of now, around half of the 101 remaining hostages are believed to still be alive. In response to the ongoing conflict, Hamas has demanded an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as conditions for the hostages’ release. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel’s military campaign will continue until Hamas is dismantled.

The conflict, which erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel in October, has caused immense loss of life. Over 44,400 Palestinians have died in the subsequent Israeli military operations, while much of Gaza remains in ruins. On Monday, Hamas reported that 33 hostages had been killed during the prolonged conflict, though it did not provide their nationalities.