Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, issued a strong warning on Monday regarding the hostage crisis that continues in Gaza. Regional tensions increased with the first Hezbollah reported attack since the implementation of the ceasefire along Israel’s northern border.

Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform demanding the immediate release of Hamas hostages. He warned of unprecedented retaliation should this order not be followed by January 20, his inauguration day.

Release the Hostages Now! RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!

Newsweek reached out to the Trump Transition team by email on Monday, seeking comment.

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Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina who advises Trump in foreign policy matters, especially regarding the Middle East and the Middle East conflict, told Axios previously that Trump wants to reach a hostage-free ceasefire before assuming office. “Trump has never been more determined to free the hostages, and he supports a ceasefire which includes a hostage agreement. Graham stated that Trump wants it to happen now, following his recent meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office, President Joe Biden discussed Gaza hostages with Trump just two weeks prior. Other meetings took place between White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Trump’s incoming National Security adviser, U.S. GOP Rep. Mike Waltz from Florida, and between Biden’s top Middle East advisor Brett McGurk, and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Currently, there are 101 hostages in Gaza. Seven of them are Americans. Israeli intelligence believes that roughly half the hostages still remain alive. The crisis began in October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel’s south, killing about 1,200 people, and taking 250 hostages. Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 44,000 Palestinians were killed during the war.

Trump’s warning coincided in time with new violence along the Israel/Lebanon border. The Israeli military reported on Monday that Hezbollah had launched two projectiles at Mount Dov in Shebaa Farms, an area of contention. Yoav Zyton, Israeli military correspondent, confirmed that the projectiles landed in open areas and caused no damage or casualties. Hezbollah described the attack as “a defensive and warning response” against alleged Israeli ceasefire violation.

Karoline Leavitt, spokesman for the Trump transition, told Axios: “Trump was reelected by the American people because they trust him to lead their country and to bring peace and stability to the Middle East.”

White House officials have confirmed that Biden will continue to push for a hostage-deal until the end of his tenure, even if Trump is ultimately credited with a successful deal.

On Saturday, a Hamas delegation is expected to visit Cairo to discuss the new Egyptian proposals on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.