President-elect Donald Trump is hailed by Arab officials for his efforts to negotiate a hostage and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, surpassing President Biden's accomplishments. A three-phase deal is reportedly in the works, involving the release of hostages, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the cessation of hostilities. However, the deal faces opposition from both sides, with some Israelis demanding the immediate release of all hostages and the removal of Hamas from power.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly receiving praise from Arab officials for his efforts to bring Israel and Hamas closer to a hostage and ceasefire agreement. This progress surpasses what President Joe Biden has achieved in over a year since the last truce. Hamas had issued an ultimatum in early December, threatening dire consequences if all 100 remaining hostages, including seven Americans (three of whom are alive), were not released by Trump's inauguration.
While Hamas initially showed flexibility, they later retreated. However, Trump's designated Middle East envoys actively engaged across the region, and Trump reportedly pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to demonstrate greater flexibility as well. A tense weekend meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff resulted in a breakthrough in the hostage negotiations. According to two Arab officials who spoke to The Times of Israel on Tuesday, Witkoff's single meeting with the premier proved more influential than outgoing President Joe Biden's efforts throughout the year. The proposed deal outlines a three-phase process. In the first phase, lasting 42 days, 33 of the remaining hostages – women, children, the elderly, and those severely ill – will be released in exchange for approximately 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners. Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza, facilitating the entry of 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into the Strip daily. The second stage will involve the release of the remaining living hostages and culminate in a declaration formally ending hostilities. The third phase will focus on the release of bodies still held by Hamas. While the deal is yet to be finalized by both sides, it faces opposition from significant factions on both sides of the conflict. Some Israelis argue for the immediate release of all hostages and maintain that Hamas should not retain power following any agreement. Trump's campaign strategy garnered support from Arab- and Muslim-American voters in crucial states like Michigan. He positioned himself as someone who, unlike Biden, could convince Netanyahu to accept deals. Trump's message resonated with voters who believed that Israel trusts him to safeguard its interests
Middle East Donald Trump Hamas Israel Hostage Release Ceasefire Joe Biden Middle East Diplomacy Benjamin Netanyahu Gaza
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