President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning that if hostages still being held in Gaza are not released by the time of his inauguration on January 20, there will be severe repercussions in the Middle East. Trump emphasized that the situation will not bode well for Hamas or any party involved, stating that 'all hell will break out.' He expressed his disapproval of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, emphasizing that such actions should never have occurred.
Steve Witkoff, Trump's designated special envoy to the Middle East, has reported progress in negotiations aimed at securing the release of the hostages in Gaza. Witkoff expressed optimism that significant developments may be announced by the time of the presidential inauguration. He highlighted the importance of the president's involvement in driving the negotiation process and expressed hope for a positive outcome that could potentially save lives.
Witkoff mentioned plans to return to Doha, where negotiations are currently underway, indicating ongoing efforts to reach a resolution before the deadline set by Trump. The collaborative efforts between the incoming administration and negotiators reflect a commitment to addressing the hostage situation in Gaza and working towards a peaceful resolution.