Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention
(Video: NBC, Reuters)
In his speech at the Republican National Convention overnight Friday, presidential candidate Donald Trump issued a threat to Hamas, emphasizing the urgency of returning American hostages before his potential return to the White House.
"We want our hostages back," Trump declared during his acceptance speech after being officially named the party's candidate. "They better be back before I assume office, or you will be paying a very big price," he warned the Gaza Strip-based terrorist organization to explosive cheers from the crowd.
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Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention
(Photo: JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES)
Trump asserted that the ongoing war in Gaza would not have occurred had he been president. During his speech, which lasted over an hour and a half, he portrayed himself as a leader capable of ending global conflicts with a single phone call, citing his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. He promised that if he returns to the presidency, North Korea would cease its missile launches.
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Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention
(Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
He accused the Democrats of inheriting a peaceful world and turning it into one of war. "Look at the attack on Israel. Look at what is happening in Ukraine," he said.