Hamas has responded sharply to President-elect Donald Trump’s ultimatum to release hostages held in Gaza, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing negotiations and derailing potential agreements.
On Monday, Trump declared that if the hostages were not freed by his January 20, 2025, inauguration, there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East” for those responsible. His fiery statement intensified the already fraught situation, drawing applause from Israeli officials while provoking backlash from Hamas.
Hamas Points the Finger at Netanyahu
Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim countered Trump’s remarks, suggesting that the real obstacle to progress lies with Netanyahu’s government. “Since the beginning of this genocide, Hamas has publicly announced and been active in seeking a permanent ceasefire to end the Israeli aggression against our people; a deal which would have included a full prisoners’ exchange,” Naim said, as reported by Newsweek.
Naim claimed that multiple ceasefire agreements were close to being finalized but were sabotaged by Netanyahu’s decisions, which he described as “savage” and politically motivated. He accused Netanyahu of using the hostage negotiations as a tool to advance personal and ideological goals, thereby stalling meaningful progress.
Netanyahu and Trump Align on Hamas
Netanyahu, however, praised Trump’s tough stance, emphasizing that the former president correctly placed blame on Hamas. “President Trump put the emphasis in the right place, on Hamas, and not on the Israeli government,” Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting. He added that Trump’s words bolstered Israel’s efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
Other Israeli officials echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for heightened pressure on Hamas, asserting that Israel must “increase the costs” for the group and its supporters to secure the hostages’ release.
A Deepening Hostage Crisis
The ongoing hostage situation in Gaza underscores the complexities of the conflict. According to Hamas, both sides had tentatively agreed to a U.N.-backed resolution passed in June that sought a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange. However, the parties interpreted the terms differently, leading to repeated breakdowns in negotiations.
Trump’s ultimatum has added urgency to an already volatile situation, but it has also spotlighted divisions within the region. With Hamas accusing Netanyahu of sabotage and Israeli officials doubling down on military pressure, the path forward remains uncertain.
As the January 2025 deadline looms, the crisis continues to fuel tensions between Hamas, Israel, and the incoming Trump administration. The question of whether diplomacy or force will prevail hangs in the balance.
