US President-elect Donald Trump again issued a stern warning regarding American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, saying in a recent podcast appearance that there will be "hell to pay" if they are not released by the time he returns to office in two weeks.
When pressed by American political commentator Hugh Hewitt on the specific meaning behind his warning, Mr Trump elaborated: "If those hostages aren't released by the time I get into office, there will be hell to pay.
“I don't think I have to go into it… But it won't be the word ‘don't,’ you know?
"I heard the word ‘don't,’ you can add that into it, but that would just be a small part of it.
“Those hostages have to get out. They have to get out now."
Latest estimates suggest that more than 100 hostages remain trapped in Gaza, held by the Hamas terror organisation.
Only this week the group produced a list of 34 hostages it would be willing to release in exchange for a ceasefire with the IDF.
Families of the hostages have been urging Israeli officials to accept a deal to facilitate their return, but critics of a ceasefire have pushed for the war to continue until Hamas is fully disbanded.
In a wide-ranging interview with Hewitt, Mr Trump reaffirmed his commitment to Israel while emphasising his record of achievements in the Middle East.
"I'm the best friend that Israel ever had," Mr Trump said during the conversation.
He highlighted his last administration's accomplishments, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the construction of the U.S. embassy there.
He went on:"I not only said we're going to, you know we got it built to have a beautiful embassy.”
Mr Trump was also keen to emphasise his role in establishing the Abraham Accords, describing them as "major events" during his presidency that benefited Israel.
He added: "Every single thing, every major event that's happened to Israel over the last fairly short period of time has been given through me.”
Addressing current tensions in the region, Mr Trump expressed his desire for peace while acknowledging the intractable nature of the conflict.
He concluded: "I have to add, I am also for peace, it's time, this fight has been going on for too long.”
