Gaza residents are frustrated and fearful after President-elect Donald Trump vowed that “all hell will break out” if hostages taken from Israel during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, are not freed within two weeks. Trump made the threat as part of negotiations to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict in Gaza has left nearly 46,000 Palestinians dead, with almost two million living in poverty and facing severe food and medical shortages. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire for over 15 months, suffering from starvation, brutal bombardment, and a lack of basic necessities.
Trump’s comments were met with skepticism by many Gaza residents, who see the threat as empty words rather than concrete actions. “I am not sure he understands the situation here – it is already hell,” said Alaa Isam, 33, from Deir al Balah in central Gaza.
Many Gazans also fear that Trump’s pro-Israel policies will continue and worsen their situation. The American Embassy was moved to Jerusalem during Trump’s first term, and the US recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Palestinians worry that Trump will not stop Israel’s annexation plans for disputed areas in the West Bank and Gaza.
The Biden administration has been criticized for not doing enough to protect Gaza from Israeli strikes. The administration announced last week that it would allow American arms producers to sell $8 billion in arms to Israel, including 500-pound bombs that can cause significant injury and death.
Gaza residents see little hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with many fearing for their lives and livelihoods. “The engine of this entire ugly and unjust offensive is America,” said Amna Soliman, 42, a former teacher at the American International School in Gaza.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/world/middleeast/trump-hostages-gaza-israel.html