Trump’s looming presidency sparks renewed hope for Gaza ceasefire as Hamas and Israel return to negotiations.
At a Glance
- International mediators resume ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel
- Trump’s incoming team briefed on negotiations, influencing dynamics
- Hamas expresses readiness for truce, urges Trump to pressure Israel
- Biden administration claims credit, while Trump allies argue his influence
- Ceasefire seen as potential step towards broader Middle East peace
Trump’s Influence Looms Large in Renewed Ceasefire Talks
As international mediators reignite ceasefire discussions between Hamas and Israel, President-elect Donald Trump’s impending administration casts a long shadow over the negotiating table. The conflict, which began with a deadly Hamas attack on Israel over a year ago, has seen a recent pause in talks due to Qatar stepping back from its mediator role. Now, with Trump’s team in the loop, a new sense of urgency and optimism surrounds the negotiations.
The Biden administration has kept Trump’s incoming team informed about efforts to broker a ceasefire, leading to a rare moment of cooperation during the transition period. However, this has also sparked a debate over who deserves credit for the potential breakthrough. Trump allies, including Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, attribute the renewed talks to the President-elect’s influence.
Hamas Reaches Out to Trump
In a surprising move, Hamas has expressed readiness for a ceasefire and directly appealed to Trump to intervene. Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, stated, “Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if a ceasefire proposal is presented and on the condition that it is respected.” This plea to the incoming administration underscores the shifting dynamics in the region as players anticipate Trump’s return to power.
“We call on the US administration and Trump to pressure the Israeli government to end the aggression,” Naim said.
Trump’s response has been characteristically forceful. He has demanded the release of hostages in Gaza before his inauguration, threatening “hell to pay” if this condition is not met. This hard-line stance may be influencing Hamas’s willingness to negotiate, as they recognize the potential for a more aggressive US policy under a Trump presidency.
Biden Administration Claims Credit, Allies Divided
The White House, meanwhile, is pushing back against claims that Trump’s incoming presidency is the catalyst for the renewed talks. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan asserted, “I would just point out that you know you’ve done a really good thing when other people take credit for it.” This tug-of-war over credit highlights the political stakes involved in resolving the conflict.
But Republican Rep. Mike Waltz from Florida said it’s definitely the Trump factor.
“Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump. His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated,” said Waltz. “I’m glad to see concrete steps towards de-escalation in the Middle East.”
Some Republican allies, like Senator Lindsey Graham, have taken a more conciliatory approach, acknowledging both administrations’ roles in the ceasefire efforts. This bipartisan recognition suggests that the path to peace may require cooperation across political lines, even as the transition of power looms.
