Hamas has issued internal directives to tighten surveillance on hostages, threatening serious repercussions in the event of any Israeli operation.

An internal statement obtained by Reuters calls for Hamas members to enhance the conditions of hostage detention, warning that any Israeli attack could lead to the “neutralization” of these hostages.

This announcement follows warnings from former President Donald Trump, who indicated a “serious problem” could arise in the Middle East unless the hostages held in Gaza are released before his inauguration on January 20.