WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President-elect Donald Trump demanded the release of hostages held in Gaza. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote “those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America”. 

Trump said he wants the release done before he assumes office in January. 

“I want to thank President (Donald) Trump for his strong statement,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

The post did not specify what kind of force President-elect Trump would use, but Netanyahu says this message helps their mission.

“This adds another force to our continuing effort to release all the hostages,” Netanyahu said.

President-elect Trump’s statement criticizes the current administration’s efforts. The State Department says the Biden administration is taking every step possible.

“We are focused, focused on using every ounce of energy and every time that we have available to bring this war to a close,” said Vedant Patel, State Department Principal Deputy spokesperson.

The administration says it’s still committed to negotiating a ceasefire, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to the death of more than 44,000 Palestinians.

“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian toll in Gaza and the high number of civilian casualties,” Patel said.

The State Department would not comment on President-elect Trump’s statement.