In a significant move, a senior Hamas official has expressed the group’s readiness to engage in a ceasefire agreement with Israel, urging US President-elect Donald Trump to influence Israel to halt its ongoing military operations in Gaza. This development comes amidst the backdrop of Trump’s recent election victory, which has rekindled discussions regarding US influence over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ceasefire Proposal Conditional on Israel’s Commitment
Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, indicated that Hamas is willing to reach a ceasefire, provided that any proposal put forward is respected by Israel. “Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if a proposal is presented and on the condition that the proposal is respected by Israel,” Naim stated in an interview with AFP. He further called on the incoming US administration to play an active role in addressing the crisis: “We also call on the US administration and Donald Trump to pressure the Israeli government to end the aggression.”
Naim’s remarks highlight a potential shift in the diplomatic approach towards resolving the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly with the change in US leadership. The plea to Trump reflects Hamas’ hope that the new administration might influence Israel’s military strategy, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
Qatar Suspends Mediation Role Amid Escalating Conflict
Naim’s comments followed an announcement from Qatar, which has been a key mediator in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Qatar recently stated that it was suspending its mediation efforts until both Hamas and Israel demonstrated “willingness and seriousness” to bring the conflict to an end. Majed Al Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, noted, “Qatar would resume those efforts when the parties show their willingness and seriousness.” This suspension underscores the challenge of fostering dialogue between the two sides amid rising violence.
The conflict, which erupted on October 7 last year, saw Hamas launch a series of coordinated attacks on Israel, leading to the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages. Among the hostages, 97 are still being held captive, with 34 reported dead, according to the Israeli military. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out a retaliatory campaign, which has led to the deaths of over 43,764 people in Gaza, the majority of whom are civilians.
Trump’s Victory and its Impact on US-Israel Relations
The recent election of Donald Trump has further complicated the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Trump, who previously served as US President from 2016 to 2020, staged a remarkable comeback, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to reclaim the presidency. Trump’s victory has been met with mixed reactions globally, including from Hamas, which has made its stance on the incoming US administration contingent upon its policies regarding the Palestinian people.
“Our position on the new US administration depends on its positions and practical behaviour towards our Palestinian people, their legitimate rights, and their just cause,” a Hamas statement quoted by AFP said. Sami Abu Zuhri, another Hamas official, called on Trump to “learn from [President Joe] Biden’s mistakes,” referring to the Democratic administration’s approach to the conflict, which was seen by Hamas as biased towards Israel.
A Relief for Netanyahu’s Government
Trump’s victory has been welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which had a strained relationship with Joe Biden’s administration, especially over US policy in the Middle East. The Biden administration often found itself at odds with Netanyahu’s government over Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Trump’s previous term in office was marked by several major policy decisions that significantly benefited Israel, including the controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the acknowledgement of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Such moves were hailed by the Netanyahu government and many within Israel, who viewed Trump as a steadfast ally. A recent survey by the Israel Democracy Institute suggested that nearly two-thirds of Israelis believe Trump would be better for Israel than his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris.
The Path Forward for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
As the world watches how Donald Trump’s second term might shape US foreign policy, the stakes are high for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump’s previous administration took several steps that were seen as heavily favouring Israel, leaving Palestinian groups sceptical of any fair mediation. With Trump back in the White House, Palestinian groups like Hamas are anxious to see if there will be any significant policy shift or if the previous pro-Israel stance will continue.
Despite the ongoing military actions and the toll they have taken on civilians, Hamas has expressed a willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue if a fair ceasefire proposal is brought to the table. The group’s insistence on US intervention signals its recognition of the influence that Washington wields over Israel and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
The Human Cost of the Conflict
The current escalation, which has left thousands dead, has underscored the devastating human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The coordinated attacks launched by Hamas on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent retaliatory strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides. The Israeli government reported 1,206 deaths in the initial attacks, while the IDF’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 43,764 people in Gaza.
The plight of hostages adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. Hamas’ abduction of 251 hostages, with 97 still held captive and 34 confirmed dead, has intensified Israeli military operations aimed at rescuing these individuals. Meanwhile, families on both sides continue to grapple with the trauma of loss and uncertainty.
Trump’s Return to Power and Middle East Policy
Donald Trump’s return to power has significant implications for US policy in the Middle East. During his first term, Trump’s administration took a strong pro-Israel stance, including withdrawing the United States from the Iran nuclear deal and facilitating the Abraham Accords, which led to normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. These moves were celebrated by the Israeli government but were heavily criticised by Palestinian authorities, who viewed them as undermining their struggle for statehood.
Trump’s recent victory, which saw him win 279 electoral votes compared to Kamala Harris’ 223, is seen by many in Israel as a potential turning point in US-Israel relations. The Israeli right wing, in particular, has welcomed the election outcome, hoping for a continuation of the policies that benefited Israel during Trump’s first term.
In his victory speech, Trump declared, “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” addressing a cheering crowd of supporters in Florida. The president-elect’s focus on domestic and foreign policy priorities is expected to include revisiting his administration’s past approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hamas’ Expectations from Trump
While Hamas has largely been sceptical of US involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bassem Naim’s call for Trump’s intervention reflects a nuanced approach. Hamas appears to be open to the possibility that Trump could exert pressure on Israel to curb its military operations in Gaza. However, this is contingent upon Trump adopting a more balanced stance than during his first term.
The Palestinian group’s willingness to consider a ceasefire is a notable development, given the high civilian toll of the ongoing violence. Nevertheless, without meaningful international mediation, the prospects of a lasting peace remain uncertain. With Qatar stepping back from its mediation role until both sides show genuine intent to end hostilities, the focus now shifts to the United States and its ability to influence the situation.
Reflections on Gaza Conflict and Trump’s Influence
The current situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. As Hamas signals its readiness for a ceasefire, the onus is on the international community—particularly the incoming US administration—to push for an end to hostilities and the resumption of meaningful dialogue. Trump’s return to power has raised hopes within Israel but has also created uncertainty among Palestinians who have seen the US government take a firm pro-Israel stance in the past.
Whether Donald Trump will leverage his influence to bring both sides to the negotiating table or continue the policies that deepened divisions during his first term remains to be seen. For now, the people of Gaza and Israel continue to live amidst violence and uncertainty, with hopes for a lasting resolution resting on the shoulders of both regional players and global powers.