Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff warned on Monday during a visit to the region it would “not be a pretty day” if the hostages held in Gaza were not released before the US President-elect’s inauguration, Report informs via Reuters.

Witkoff, who will formally take up the position when Trump’s administration starts, said he hoped and prayed there would be a ceasefire in Gaza between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel before Trump takes office on January 20.

“You heard what the president said, they better be released,” he said, referring to Trump.