Trump demands immediate release of October 7 hostages

Donald Trump has demanded the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 2023 (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office for a second term there will be “hell to pay”.

In a post on his Truth Social site, Mr Trump wrote: “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.”