The elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, warned the Islamist group Hamas on Tuesday that if they do not release the hostages before his inauguration on January 20, "hell will break loose in the Middle East."
"If they are not back by the time I take office, hell will break loose in the Middle East, and it won’t be good for Hamas, nor will it be good, frankly, for anyone. Chaos will erupt," he declared during one of the press conferences he has been holding at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Trump was supported by Steve Witkoff, appointed by the future president as his special envoy for the Middle East.
Witkoff noted that negotiators are making "considerable progress" in talks for the release of Israeli and American hostages held in the Gaza Strip. According to the upcoming official, there is "great hope" that by the time of the presidential inauguration, there will be "good news" regarding the agreement.
He also attributed the progress to Trump's "reputation," stating that the elected president's statements and stance are driving the negotiations.
"It is the president, his reputation, the things he has said that are driving this negotiation, and I hope everything goes well and we can save some lives," Witkoff stated.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, the United States has played a mediating role between Israel and Hamas, alongside Qatar and Egypt in efforts to resolve the situation.
In the press conference, Trump addressed other sensitive issues in international politics, such as his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal, for which he did not rule out the use of force.
He also claimed that Canada should become the 51st state and that Trudeau knew this, which is why he announced his resignation: "Many people in Canada WOULD LOVE to be the 51st state. The United States can no longer bear the enormous trade deficits and the subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned," he said on his social media platform Truth Social.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Trump’s Statements and His International Policies
What threat does Donald Trump pose to Hamas if they do not release the hostages?
Donald Trump has warned that "hell will break loose in the Middle East" if Hamas does not release the hostages before his inauguration on January 20. This statement underscores the president-elect's firm stance regarding the situation with Hamas, emphasizing the chaos that could ensue in the region if his demands are not met.
What is Trump's stance on the annexation of Canada as the 51st state of the U.S.?
Donald Trump has stated that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States, claiming that this would resolve trade and security issues. However, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has categorically rejected this idea, asserting that there is no possibility for Canada to join the United States.
What measures does Trump plan regarding the Panama Canal?
Donald Trump has expressed his intention to regain control of the Panama Canal, criticizing China's influence over his administration. He has called the transfer of the canal to Panama a "great mistake," but has not detailed how he plans to implement this measure.
How is Donald Trump influencing negotiations with Hamas?
Steve Witkoff, appointed by Trump as his special envoy to the Middle East, has stated that Trump's "reputation" is driving the negotiations for the release of hostages. He claims that the elected president's statements and stance have given new momentum to the talks, generating hope for an agreement before the inauguration.
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