Trump: 'ALL HELL TO PAY' if hostages still detained when he takes offices

President-elect Donald Trump vowed there would be "all Hell to pay" when he takes office should Oct. 7 hostages remain in custody at that time.

His remarks came more than one year after Hamas launched a surprise raid on Israel, killing roughly 1,200 civilians and taking hundreds of hostages. The Israel Defense Forces invaded the Gaza Strip in retaliation and fighting has persisted since.

"Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!" Trump said on Truth Social. "Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity."

"Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!" he warned.

The conflict has seen both sides accused of war crimes, resulting in arrest warrants for key leaders from the International Court of Justice. American politicians have condemned the court's moves against Israeli leaders.