President Joe Biden and his administration completely botched the Israel-Hamas war situation from the get-go, including negotiating the release of hostages still be held in captivity.

While Biden and his leaders have sat idle for over a year on the issue, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed dire consequences if all of the hostages are not returned by the time he's inaugurated on Jan. 20, according to Fox News. 

Trump first threatened Hamas terrorists back in December, and recently doubled down on his insistence that "all hell will break out" if the hostages aren't returned safe and sound within the next few weeks.

The latest assessments of the 96 or so hostages thought to be held by Hamas revealed that only roughly 50 are believed to still be alive.

What did he say?

Speaking alongside Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, Trump reinforced the consequences that will occur if Hamas doesn't play ball by Jan. 20.

"If those hostages aren't back – I don't want to hurt your negotiation – if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump said when appearing with Witkoff, who's in the middle of attempting to negotiate a ceasefire situation.

"All hell will break out," the president-elect added.

All hell will break loose. Release the hostages pic.twitter.com/BoOoLfEqEQ

— Robyn Daniels (@robyngirlygirl) January 7, 2025

Fox News noted:

Trump again refused to detail what this would mean for Hamas and the Trump transition team has not detailed for Fox News Digital what sort of action the president-elect might take.

But as Trump hinted to a reporter who asked about his threat, Trump told them in a polite, roundabout way exactly what it means. It means what it sounds like it means.

"Do I have to define it for you?" Trump told the reporter. "I don't have to say any more, but that's what it is."

Social media reacts

Users across social media weighed in on Trump's threat to Hamas.

"Reminds of Iran hostage situation, when Reagan was taking office," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Seems like a stick[y] situation, but I trust that Trump can see it through."

Hamas, and the rest of the world should be very much aware of what happens when Trump makes a threat at that level. He has never bluffed, and there's no reason to believe he would this time, either.