President-elect Donald Trump is receiving praise from Arab officials for his proactive approach to resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. His efforts have reportedly done more to advance hostage negotiations and secure a potential ceasefire agreement than President Joe Biden’s administration achieved in over a year since the last truce. This development comes as Trump’s team of future Middle East envoys works tirelessly to mediate between the parties and exert pressure for flexibility on both sides.
According to The Times of Israel, a pivotal meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s incoming envoy to the Middle East, led to significant progress. The breakthrough occurred after Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas in early December, declaring that “ALL HELL TO PAY” would follow if the remaining 100 hostages, including seven Americans, were not released by his inauguration. While Hamas initially showed signs of flexibility, they retreated from negotiations before the intervention of Trump’s envoys. Their efforts included pressing Netanyahu to consider compromises, resulting in a 42-day phased agreement proposal.
Under the tentative agreement, 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, would be released in exchange for the freedom of approximately 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners. This first phase would also involve a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and daily facilitation of humanitarian aid deliveries. Subsequent stages aim to secure the release of the remaining hostages and ultimately establish a lasting end to hostilities. However, opposition from key factions on both sides poses challenges to finalizing the deal.
Trump’s ability to secure trust from both Israel and Arab leaders has earned him the support of Arab- and Muslim-American voters in key states like Michigan. His reputation for protecting Israeli interests while pushing for meaningful resolutions has bolstered confidence in his approach. The evolving situation remains tenuous, but the former president’s involvement marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Middle East peace process.