Trump says he’s working to secure release of the hostages, ‘all hell is going to break out’ if they’re not back by inauguration

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

US President-elect Donald Trump says he is working to secure the release of the hostages in Gaza.

“There is a light shining over the world. We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back, as you know — Israel, the Middle East,” Trump says at a press conference.

If the hostages aren’t home by his January 20 inauguration day “all hell is going to break out,” he adds, reiterating a warning he issued earlier this month.

Trump confirms that he held a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend. He says it was a good conversation but doesn’t go into specifics.

Trump describes it as a “recap call” ahead of his taking office on Jan. 20.

“We had a very good talk. And we discussed what is going to happen, and I’ll be very available on January 20 and we’ll see,” Trump says.

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