The Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement over a year-long conflict is understood to be the effectiveness of US President-elect Donald Trump’s speech and action towards the peacemaking process. Right after the ceasefire agreement, Trump and Joe Biden owned the credit for this peaceful deal. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal is crucial in pointing out a link between his election victory and this historical outcome.
Trump had issued a stark warning that there would be “hell to pay” if Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were not freed before his January 20 inauguration. Although the statement was brief, experts say it was a clear signal to both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, applying pressure for action.
On Wednesday, Hamas and Israel reached an agreement for a ceasefire. It includes an Israeli hostage-for-Palestinian prisoner swap deal, the second of its kind since the eruption of the October 2023 conflict, lasting a week previously.
Is Donald Trump behind Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement?
Last week, Trump deployed his close confidant Steve Witkoff to negotiate with the Middle East. Witkoff, an untrained man in the matters of diplomacy, played a leading role in nudging the settlement. He visited Israeli officials over Shabbat in Doha and told them how much Donald Trump was worried. Witkoff’s strict stand is reported to have obliged Netanyahu to instruct top officials in Mossad and Shin Bet heads to conclude negotiations.
Trump termed the ceasefire “epic” and attributed the breakthrough to his victory in the elections. He stated on Truth Social, “We achieved so much without being in the White House. Imagine what we can do when fully back in power.” Trump announced that Witkoff would continue working with the National Security Team to oversee the implementation of the deal.
Phase one, according to reports, has included the release of 33 Israeli hostages as well as humanitarian supplies reaching Gaza. Outgoing President Joe Biden stated that the remaining phases, including the releasement of more hostages and rebuilding Gaza, fall under the administration of the incoming Trump administration.
Also, see: Gaza ceasefire agreement confirmed after 15 months of genocide