Donald Trump’s Gaza Warning of ‘All Hell Will Break Loose’ May Lose Its Impact | World News
Donald Trump’s warning that “all hell will break loose” if the Gaza hostages are not released by his inauguration marks the third occasion he has employed similar rhetoric since his victory in the November US presidential election.
This phrase has also surfaced in various settings, notably in June 2024 as part of a fundraising message to his supporters in advance of one of his court trials, as well as expressed by aides and spokespeople on the campaign trail.
Such dramatics are typical of him and enhance his image as unpredictable, a characteristic that can be quite potent in the context of the Middle East.
People queue for food in Deir al Balah in Gaza. Pic: AP
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However, Trump has not indicated what he plans to do if his threat fails, leaving his options unclear.
The conditions in Gaza are already extremely severe for the Palestinians residing there.
Some Israeli political figures have posited the idea of withholding aid to starve Hamas into submission, but it’s difficult to see the US president silently permitting that, given the international legal ramifications.
Trump’s threats may be aimed at Iran’s leadership, but it’s debatable how much genuine influence they exert over a weakened Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, Trump, who avoids war, is unlikely to attack Tehran and risk embroiling US forces in a new Middle Eastern conflict shortly after his inauguration.
Further sanctions on Iran are also unlikely to produce quick outcomes, as the Islamic Republic’s leaders have shown remarkable resilience against such measures over the years.
Any actions against Qatar, which has direct communication with Hamas, could backfire, given that the largest US airbase in the Middle East is situated just outside Doha, and the small nation plays a significant role as a security and economic ally.
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Ultimately, “all hell will break loose” is a phrase frequently used by Trump in various contexts to intimidate his opponents.
The more he employs it without tangible results, the less effective and alarming it becomes. If it fails to have an impact on Hamas, Trump will likely find himself with few alternatives beyond slow, meticulous negotiation and diplomacy, which might actually begin to show positive outcomes over time.
