Trump Says Hostage Deal Is Close to Finalization After ‘Handshake’

A hostage deal may be finalized by the end of the week, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said in a phone interview with Newsmax on Monday, signaling major progress in the ongoing negotiations.

"I understand there's been a handshake, and they're getting it finished, maybe by the end of the week," Trump stated. "We're very close to getting it done."

Trump emphasized the urgency of securing an agreement, warning of severe consequences if the deal is not completed. “If they don’t get it done, there’s going to be a lot of trouble out there like they have never seen before.”

On Monday, a source told The Jerusalem Post that a three-phase plan to release the hostages held by Hamas had been reached, with negotiators now awaiting Hamas' response.

U.S. President Joe Biden also addressed the situation, stating that the deal was on the "brink" and was "finally coming to fruition."

Trump has repeatedly warned Hamas of repercussions if the hostages are not freed before he takes office on January 20. In early January, he urged their immediate release at his Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve gala.

In December, he issued a stark warning on his social media platform, Truth Social:

"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."

With negotiations reportedly nearing a breakthrough, the world watches closely as the final details unfold.

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