Overview

• Donald Trump, set to take office as U.S. president on January 20, 2025, has demanded Hamas release all hostages held in Gaza by that date.
• Trump warned on Truth Social that failure to comply would result in severe and historic consequences for those responsible for the atrocities.
• Approximately 97 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with reports suggesting many may not have survived since their abduction in October 2023.
• The Biden administration has been working unsuccessfully for months to broker a deal for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.
• The ongoing conflict has seen heavy casualties on both sides, with over 44,000 reported deaths in Gaza according to Hamas, though these figures are unverified.