Summary:
- US President Donald Trump expressed doubt about the durability of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, calling it “not our war” but acknowledging his role in securing the deal.
- The ceasefire, brokered through joint efforts by Biden and Trump envoys, includes hostages and prisoner exchanges but faces uncertainty over adherence.
- Trump highlighted Gaza’s devastation from the conflict but suggested it has potential for “fantastic” reconstruction if peace holds.
- In contrast to Biden’s confidence in the deal, Trump reversed sanctions on Israeli settlers and reaffirmed strong support for Israel in his early actions as president.
US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the durability of a newly brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, despite his administration’s involvement in securing the deal. Speaking to reporters on Monday, January 20, 2025, shortly after his inauguration, Trump stated, “I’m not confident. That’s not our war; it’s their war. But I’m not confident.” His remarks cast doubt on the agreement, which aims to end 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza.
The ceasefire, which began on Sunday, January 19, was facilitated through joint diplomatic efforts by the outgoing Biden administration and Trump’s incoming team. The deal includes a three-phase plan involving a cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. The initial phase has already seen the release of three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners. However, Trump’s comments reflect concerns about whether both sides will adhere to the agreement through its entirety.
Trump emphasized that Hamas has been significantly weakened following Israel’s military campaign, which began after Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023. The attack resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 250 hostages being taken into Gaza. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive that has reportedly killed over 46,000 Palestinians, with women and children comprising a significant portion of the casualties. Trump remarked on the devastation in Gaza, describing it as a “massive demolition site” but suggested that the region could see “fantastic” reconstruction efforts if peace holds. He highlighted Gaza’s “phenomenal location on the sea” and its potential for redevelopment.
The ceasefire agreement was originally proposed by President Joe Biden in May 2024 but faced delays due to prolonged negotiations and political complexities. Biden had expressed confidence in the deal shortly before leaving office, describing it as a significant step toward ending violence and facilitating humanitarian aid in Gaza. In contrast to Trump’s cautious tone, Biden stated on Sunday, “I’m confident,” regarding the prospects of the truce holding.
The agreement marks a rare instance of bipartisan cooperation between two administrations with stark ideological differences. Both Biden and Trump envoys played critical roles in mediating talks alongside Qatar and Egypt. While Biden’s administration laid much of the groundwork for the deal, Trump’s team worked to finalize it in the weeks leading up to his inauguration. This collaboration has led to competing claims over credit for the agreement.
Trump has positioned himself as a staunch ally of Israel and wasted no time reversing some of Biden’s policies upon taking office. One of his first actions was lifting sanctions imposed by Biden on extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank accused of attacks against Palestinians. He also reiterated his unwavering support for Israel during his inaugural address and subsequent events.
Despite these developments, skepticism remains about whether the ceasefire will lead to lasting peace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has treated the truce as temporary and reserved Israel’s right to resume military operations if necessary. Hamas has similarly indicated that future phases of the agreement will depend on continued negotiations.
As humanitarian aid begins flowing into Gaza under the ceasefire terms, global observers are cautiously optimistic but aware of the fragility of this agreement. The coming weeks will test whether this truce can withstand longstanding tensions and pave the way for more enduring solutions in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Source: The Daily Star
