Egypt believes that there is a high chance of a ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages in Gaza, even before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, as reported by the Saudi newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed.
The report also claimed based on Egyptian sources that Hamas had eased its demands for the IDF's withdrawal from Gaza.
President-elect Donald Trump threatened Hamas last evening (Monday) on his X account: "If the hostages are not released by the day I take office – the consequences will be unprecedented."
"Everyone is talking about the hostages being held in such a violent, inhumane manner, against the will of the entire world, in the Middle East – but it's all talk, with no action" Trump stated.
"I want to clarify," Trump added. "If the hostages are not released by the day I take office, 1/20/25, the consequences will be unprecedented in the Middle East, and those responsible for the kidnapping will be struck harder than anyone else in the history of the United States."
"Release the hostages now!" Trump concluded.