President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the hostages held by Hamas, stating that there will be severe consequences if they are not freed before his inauguration on January 20, 2025.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the lack of action to secure the release of those captured during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 dead and at least 250 people abducted, including seven Americans.

Trump condemned the conditions of the hostages, describing their treatment as violent and inhumane. He emphasized that their continued captivity would lead to unprecedented retaliation, warning of significant repercussions for those responsible for the abductions.

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A recent video released by Hamas featured Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American hostage who was abducted during the October 7 attack. In the footage, Alexander, visibly distressed, appealed for his release while conveying forced messages to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to securing the hostages' freedom.

Despite ongoing efforts, a lasting ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas remains out of reach over a year after the initial attack. Israeli military operations in Gaza persist. Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, brokered in November 2024, has already faced violations.

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Israel accused Hezbollah of launching two projectiles on Monday, though no casualties were reported. Netanyahu vowed to enforce the ceasefire and respond to any breaches by Hezbollah.