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What will happen if Hamas refuses a deal? 

"All Hell to Pay": Vice President JD Vance explains Donald Trump's bold warning over Gaza Hostage Crisis

With just days until his return to the White House, former President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing hostage negotiations. Trump, who will begin his second term on January 20, has made it clear that if a deal is not struck before then, there will be “all hell to pay” for Hamas. However, he has refrained from providing specific details about the consequences Hamas will face should the hostages remain in captivity.

Eliana Fleming
Eliana Fleming
2 min read
President-elect Donald Trump
Photo: Shutterstock / Jonah Elkowitz

Trump Issues Stern Warning: ‘All Hell to Pay’ if Hostage Deal Isn't Reached Before His Inauguration

This warning was reiterated on Sunday by Mike Waltz, Trump's incoming national security adviser, who emphasized that the terms for a hostage deal would only worsen if Hamas delays its cooperation until Trump’s return to office.

“We want to see our hostages set free, or at the very least, some kind of agreement before the inauguration,” Waltz said during an interview on ABC’s “This Week.” “Any deal will only get worse for Hamas, and there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East if we continue to have this kind of hostage diplomacy.”

Vice President-Elect Vance Clarifies ‘All Hell’ Consequences

In a separate interview on ‘FOX News Sunday,’ Vice President-elect JD Vance appeared to clarify what Trump’s “all hell” remark entails. Vance explained that the U.S. would take decisive action, including enabling Israel to target the final two Hamas battalions, which are believed to be holding many of the remaining hostages. He also mentioned aggressive sanctions and penalties for entities supporting terrorism in the region, signaling a more forceful stance by the incoming administration.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly avoided major operations in central Gaza, where the remaining hostages are believed to be held, to prevent further harm to the captives. However, Vance suggested that the potential consequences Trump has warned of have led to recent progress in the hostage negotiations.

“We’re hopeful a deal will be struck toward the end of Biden’s administration, perhaps in the final days,” Vance said. “But regardless of when it happens, it will be because people are terrified of the consequences Hamas will face.”


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