Tikva Forum calls for action from Hamas as Trump takes office

A day after Hamas released the first three Israeli hostages, marking the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, an Israeli group opposing any deal with Hamas sent a stern message: “The rules are about to change.” This declaration comes ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump as the new President of the United States on January 20, 2025.

The Tikva Forum, a campaign group composed of relatives of the hostages, emphasized the need for immediate action from Hamas. The group’s statement reflects their frustration and urgency, particularly in light of the ongoing negotiations surrounding the release of dozens of Israeli captives still held by Hamas. As of now, 91 hostages remain in Gaza following the abduction of 251 Israelis during Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current Gaza war.

Steve Witkoff, who served as Trump’s Middle East envoy and was involved in negotiations facilitated by the Biden administration, Qatar, and Egypt, was also in the spotlight during this critical time. Witkoff’s role underlines the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the hostage situation and restoring peace in the region.

In December, Donald Trump had issued a stark warning to Hamas regarding the release of the hostages, suggesting dire consequences if they were not freed by the time he took office. This message was visually echoed by the Tikva Forum, which had displayed a massive banner featuring Trump’s image in Tel Aviv’s Sarona district, boldly stating: “ALL OF THEM UNTIL THE 20.1 — OR THE FIRE OF HELL WILL OPEN.”

As the inauguration approaches, there has been a notable rise in public demonstrations in Israel advocating for the release of the remaining hostages. Protesters have been seen donning red caps similar to those worn by Trump supporters, but with a different message. Instead of the familiar slogan “Make America Great Again,” these caps read: “End this fuc*ing war.”

Posters at the protests express gratitude toward Trump, with messages like “Trump, thank you for handling this,” and “President Trump, bring them home.” The protests symbolize the hopes of many Israelis who believe that Trump’s administration may bring a renewed focus on the hostage situation and the broader conflict in the region.

One protester in Jerusalem encapsulated the sentiment of many, stating, “My only hope is that he can finish this war. This is what we want.” As the international community watches closely, the coming days will be critical in determining the future of Israeli hostages and the potential for lasting peace in the Middle East.