Donald Trump made a hard-hitting statement on Truth Social about Gaza hostages that got every-ones attention. He wrote that if captives arent freed by Jan 20th there would be “hell to pay“ – stronger than anything in US history
Benjamin Netanyahu and his top-brass quickly jumped on-board with Trumps message (which fits their tough stance against Hamas). The Israeli PM spoke at a cabinet meet-up: saying its good to see focus on Hamas instead of pressure on Israel. Finance head Bezalel Smotrich backed this up; suggesting more force is the answer
About half of 250-plus hostages taken during 10/23 attack are still missing in Gaza: some of them sadly dont survive. The talks between sides hit a wall after early-winter deals got some people out. Hamas rep Basem Naim points finger at Israeli PM for blocking progress; saying Trump should talk to him first
Gaza locals dont see this helping peace: political expert Ramiz Moghani thinks itʼll make Israel more aggressive in both Gaza and West Bank regions. Regular folks like Mohammed Dahlan who had to leave his home because of fighting say they hoped for better news
Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America
The hostage families group seems happy with this push; saying its now clear that time is running out and action needs to happen fast