Donald Trump made a hard-hitting statement bout the Gaza hostage situation yesterday: the former president warned of serious consequences if captives arent freed before his potential return to office
[If] the hostages are not released prior to January 20‚ 2025‚ there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East
The crisis started after a militant attack on Israel around 14 months ago when Hamas-backed fighters took more than 250 people (including some Israeli-American citizens). Today about half of the 101 remaining hostages are thought to be alive; Hamas recently stated that 33 captives died during the on-going conflict
Current positions remain far apart - Hamas wants:
- Complete stop of military actions
- Full withdrawal of Israeli forces
- Total end to Gaza conflict
Meanwhile Benjamin Netanyahu the Israeli prime minister stays firm on his decision to keep fighting until Hamas is completely gone. The conflict has already caused major damage: Israeli sources say 1‚200 people died in the initial attack while Gaza health officials report more than 44‚400 Palestinian casualties and most people had to leave their homes
The war turned most of Gaza into ruins‚ with wide-spread destruction across the whole region. Hamas keeps saying they wont release more hostages unless Israel stops its military operation - but Israeli leadership says they will continue until Hamas isnt a threat anymore