Trump's Victory Will Probably Increase Uncertainty in Gaza Talks

 Trump's Victory Will Probably Increase Uncertainty in Gaza Talks

Analysts predicted that significant cease-fire movement would likely need to wait until after January's inauguration. Regarding whether Mr. Trump will take significant action to halt the war, Gazans expressed disagreement.

Following a year of unsuccessful attempts by the Biden administration to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza, which failed due to irreconcilable demands from Israel and Hamas, Donald J. Trump's presidential triumph is throwing efforts into even more uncertainty.

In anticipation of the U.S. election, regional leaders in Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, and Qatar have been waiting months. Although the future is uncertain, observers predicted that any significant progress on a cease-fire, if one exists at all, would probably be postponed until after Mr. Trump's inauguration in January. 

According to Michael Stephens, a Middle East specialist at the London-based research organization Royal United Services Institute, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "was waiting for the results of the U.S. presidential election to make a move." "Why is he giving Biden anything at this time?" 

Health experts in the enclave say that since the war started, over 43,000 people have died in Gaza, including thousands of women and children. Gazans had doubted that either Mr Their standing would be greatly enhanced by President Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Hamas-led attack in October of last year, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and took about 250 hostage, was the catalyst for the conflict.

The Biden administration had urged both sides to accept a three-stage truce and work out their outstanding disagreements. The phases of the proposed agreement would include Israel ceasing its war against Hamas, withdrawing from Gaza, and releasing Palestinian prisoners; Hamas would also release the 101 hostages that are still being held in Gaza. (Hamas rejected short-term truce proposals, insisting that the war must stop before it would accept a compromise.) 

During his first term, Mr. Trump was a strong supporter of Israel, and Mr. Netanyahu has praised his election. He called with Mr. Trump on Wednesday night and was among the first to congratulate him on his win. According to a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office, the two decided "to work together for the sake of Israel's security." 

It's still unknown, though, how Mr. Trump would move the chessboard. He has expressed broad support for Israel's right to self-defense ever since the October 7 strikes.

He has, however, urged Israel to "finish up" the campaign, a stance that would be in opposition to many members of the hard-line Israeli cabinet who favor Israel maintaining control of Gaza indefinitely. 

Even the violent Palestinian organization Hamas appeared to be open to possibilities regarding Mr. Trump's potential behavior once in office In a statement released on Wednesday, Hamas stated that "Our position on the new American administration will depend on its positions and practical policy toward the Palestinian people and its legitimate rights."

There was disagreement among those questioned in Gaza on Thursday regarding Mr. Trump's willingness or ability to assist Israel and Hamas in reaching a cease-fire agreement.

Before fleeing to Khan Younis with his family, Muhanned al-Farra, 38, operated an auto repair shop in Rafah, southern Gaza, and stated, "I think Trump will focus on economic growth and strategic deals with Arab countries." "I'm hoping that his election will result in improvements.