US President-elect Donald Trump praised the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, just five days before his return to office.
Trump announced on his Truth Social network, “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!” This statement came even before any official announcement from outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration.
In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump took full credit for the agreement, stating, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November.” He attributed the ceasefire’s success to his administration’s proactive approach to peace negotiations, which he believes has sent a strong message globally.
The deal includes a phased ceasefire, with Hamas set to release 33 of the approximately 100 hostages in Gaza during an initial 42-day period. Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, played a pivotal role in brokering the agreement, collaborating closely with negotiators from President Biden’s team. Trump expressed his gratitude to Witkoff and reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to work closely with Israel and its allies to prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist stronghold again.
Trump’s efforts build on the foundation of the Trump-era Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, potentially paving the way for more normalization agreements. Trump hopes to expand the Abraham Accords, suggesting Iran might join.
Although the Biden administration had been working towards a ceasefire for months, Trump’s assertive warnings played a role in expediting the agreement. His caution about “all hell” breaking loose in the Middle East if Hamas did not release the hostages before his inauguration added significant pressure to finalize the deal.
Read: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement: 33 Hostages to be Freed
As the agreement progresses, reactions differ between Palestine and Israel. In Gaza, large crowds publicly expressed their happiness, celebrating the news. Some Israelis remain skeptical, waiting for all hostages to return safely.
This ceasefire deal marks a significant step toward resolving the protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza, offering hope for a more peaceful future in the region. While challenges persist, the agreement represents a critical advancement towards peace.
