Florida (US) [India], January 8 (HBTV): US President-elect Donald Trump warned that 'all hell will break out in the Middle East' if hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are not released before his inauguration on January 20, CNN reported.

While addressing a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Tuesday (local time), Trump stated, 'It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone. All hell will break out. I don't have to say anymore, but that's what it is,' adding that 'there should have never been' the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel.

Steve Witkoff, chosen by Trump to serve as the special envoy to the Middle East, expressed optimism about negotiations to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and facilitate the release of hostages. Witkoff noted, 'It's the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation, and so hopefully it'll all work out and we'll save some lives.'

Biden administration officials, who have been leading talks, have been keeping the incoming Trump national security team updated on developments. A senior Biden administration official described the negotiations as difficult and declined to comment on their status but maintained that both administrations are working in 'close coordination.'

The Biden administration has been attempting to broker a ceasefire in Gaza for over a year but has yet to succeed. While dozens of hostages were released during an initial ceasefire following the October 7 attack, subsequent efforts to halt the fighting and secure more releases have failed.

During the press conference, Trump refused to rule out the use of military force to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland or the use of 'economic force' to acquire Canada. When asked whether he would rule out such actions, he responded, 'No, I can't assure you on either of those two, but I can say this: we need them for economic security.'

Trump suggested that Denmark should give up control of Greenland or face high tariffs, proposing that Greenland's people could vote for independence or to become part of the United States. 'I'm talking about protecting the free world,' he remarked.

Since his election, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. However, he later clarified that he would use only 'economic force' and not military action against Canada.

(HBTV)