Florida, President-elect Donald Trump issued a stark warning that if Hamas does not release the hostages they are holding in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, “all hell will break out in the Middle East,” according to CNN. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump emphasized the dire consequences of the situation, stating, “It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone. All hell will break out. I don’t have to say anymore, but that’s what it is.” He also expressed that the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, should never have happened. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, appointed by Trump as the special envoy to the Middle East, shared a more hopeful perspective on the ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing the hostages’ release. He noted that negotiators are “making a lot of progress” and credited Trump’s reputation and statements for influencing the discussions, expressing optimism that the situation could resolve favorably and save lives. However, a senior official from the Biden administration took a more cautious stance, indicating that the negotiations are proving to be quite challenging and refraining from commenting on their current status, despite Witkoff’s suggestion that a deal might be reached before January 20.
