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Hamas Calls for ‘Immediate’ End to Conflict Following Trump Election Victory

Hamas Calls for 'Immediate' End to Conflict Following Trump Election Victory

A senior Hamas official has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict following former President Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th President of the United States. Basem Naim, a spokesperson and prominent member of Hamas’ Political Bureau, expressed in an interview with Newsweek that while Trump’s election is a domestic issue for the U.S., Palestinians are hopeful it could signal an end to what he describes as the aggression inflicted on Gaza. Naim went on to call for support in realising Palestinian rights, independence, and the establishment of an autonomous Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Naim’s remarks, however, were critical of U.S. support for Israel, which he referred to as “blind support” that has favoured Israel’s interests at the expense of Palestinian security and regional stability. With Trump’s prior policies heavily favouring Israel, Palestinians are now watching closely to see if his administration’s approach will shift.

Trump’s Strong Ties with Israel: Past and Present

During his previous administration, Trump enjoyed a close and cooperative relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was marked by pivotal diplomatic moves. These included relocating the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018, a controversial decision that formally recognised the disputed city as Israel’s capital. Trump’s administration also put forth the so-called “deal of the century,” a proposal that aimed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by granting Israel control over certain disputed territories while offering Palestinians limited autonomy. The plan, however, failed to gain widespread support in the Arab world and was outright rejected by Palestinian leaders.

Despite their prior alliance, Trump’s recent criticisms of Netanyahu’s wartime leadership have revealed cracks in their rapport, especially as the Israeli Prime Minister grapples with a multifront conflict that began in October 2023, sparked by a Hamas-led assault on Israel. Trump’s call for a suitable end to hostilities and his emphasis on avoiding further escalation suggest he might approach the conflict with a more cautious strategy than before.

Mixed Reactions from the Israeli Government

The Israeli government has responded diplomatically to Trump’s re-election, signalling its intent to continue fostering the historically strong alliance between the two countries. An unnamed Israeli official highlighted to Newsweek that the “special relationship” between the U.S. and Israel has been a cornerstone of bipartisan American foreign policy since Israel’s founding. Netanyahu, one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump on his return to office, praised the event as “history’s greatest comeback.” The Israeli leader issued a statement expressing optimism about working with Trump to advance Israel’s security, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East, including addressing threats from Iran.

Biden’s Middle East Approach: A Contrast

The Biden administration’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict differed from Trump’s in notable ways. Although Biden provided significant military assistance to Israel, he advocated for measures to protect Palestinian civilians, a stance that led to criticism from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian voices. Trump’s election, however, may signal a return to more robust support for Israeli policy, potentially removing some of the constraints Biden attempted to place on Israel’s wartime actions.

Escalation of Regional Conflict and U.S. Diplomatic Pressure

The Israel-Gaza conflict has expanded significantly, drawing in regional players such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and other factions in Syria and Iraq, with intermittent exchanges between Israel and Iran. In response, Hamas recently issued a statement urging the U.S. to cease its military and diplomatic support for Israel, arguing that the ongoing conflict undermines Palestinian rights. The call for U.S. intervention extends beyond Gaza, with Hamas asking the incoming Trump administration to address Israel’s military campaigns in Lebanon and across the broader Middle Eastern theatre.

In parallel, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Trump on his win and expressed a desire for U.S. support for Palestinian aspirations under Trump’s renewed leadership. While Abbas and Hamas have often clashed over tactics, both have frequently condemned Trump’s past Middle East initiatives, including the 2018 embassy move and his 2020 peace proposal.

Reflections on Trump’s Middle East Strategy

Trump’s first term was defined by his hardline stance toward Iran, which included the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. While these moves were aimed at curbing Iran’s regional influence, they also heightened tensions with Tehran, a key backer of Hamas and other factions in the Axis of Resistance.

Trump’s second term now raises questions about whether his administration will prioritise diplomatic engagement or adopt an even firmer stance against Iran. While Trump has repeatedly vowed to avoid further conflicts, his commitment to bolstering the U.S. military remains. His recent victory speech reflected a desire for peace through strength, boasting that his prior term was marked by four years without new wars, a record he aims to continue.

What Lies Ahead

As Trump’s return to the White House reshapes U.S. foreign policy, allies and adversaries in the Middle East await signals of what’s coming. His renewed emphasis on a powerful yet restrained U.S. military presence suggests he may opt for a pragmatic approach, favouring diplomatic alliances over military intervention. How Trump balances support for Israel with Palestinian aspirations for independence will likely define his next four years on the world stage. Whether he can fulfil his promise to “stop wars” while addressing one of the most complex conflicts remains to be seen.

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