President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Newsmax on Monday evening, offering his perspective on the ongoing discussions for a hostage release agreement, noting that reports suggest the deal could soon be finalized. “We’re very close to getting it done – and they have to get it done. If they don’t get it done, there’s going to be a lot of trouble out there – a lot of trouble like they have never seen before,” Trump stated. He continued, “They will get it done. I understand there’s been a handshake and they’re getting it finished and maybe by the end of the week. But it has to take place.”
Earlier on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the progress of the talks between Israel and Hamas, which aim to secure both a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Reflecting on his decades of public service, Biden remarked, “I have learned in many years in public service to never, never, never, ever give up.” He further shared, “I spoke to the Prime Minister of Israel yesterday. I spoke to the Emir of Qatar today. I look forward to speaking with President Sisi soon. We’re pressing hard to close this.” Biden also emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “The Palestinian people deserve peace and the right to determine their own futures. Israel deserves peace and real security. And the hostages and their families deserve to be reunited. And so we’re working urgently to close this deal.”
In related news, Vice President-elect JD Vance spoke to Fox News on Sunday, suggesting that Trump’s recent warnings about “all hell will break loose” if hostages are not released by January 20 have played a significant role in pushing the negotiations forward. “We’re hopeful there’s going to be a deal that’s struck toward the very end of Biden’s administration — maybe the last day or two,” Vance stated. “But regardless of when that deal is struck, it will be because people are terrified that there are going to be consequences for Hamas.”
{Matzav.com}