US President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration is a significant factor in the potential signing of a Gaza truce, as stated by a former Israeli diplomat. After over 15 months of conflict, there is growing optimism that Israel and Hamas may reach a ceasefire agreement, including the release of hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, just before Trump assumes office.
The former Israeli consul general in New York, Alon Pinkas, highlighted that a potential deal has been within reach for months but was hindered by political considerations from both Netanyahu and Hamas. Netanyahu's desire to prolong the conflict and Hamas' reluctance to accept certain terms have been obstacles to reaching an agreement.
Trump's recent warning that failure to release hostages by his inauguration on January 20 could lead to escalated tensions in the Middle East underscores his administration's preference to avoid inheriting the Israel-Hamas conflict. Netanyahu's meeting with Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the pressure from both the current and incoming US administrations to secure a deal have added urgency to the negotiations.
US envoys Witkoff and Biden’s Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk have been actively engaged in the region, collaborating with mediators to address remaining challenges in reaching a ceasefire agreement. They have also held discussions with Netanyahu to advance the negotiations.
Pinkas emphasized the significant influence of Trump's impending presidency on Israel, suggesting that Netanyahu may have delayed resolution in anticipation of Trump's election and inauguration. A source familiar with the ceasefire-hostage talks indicated that Trump's presidency serves as an incentive for Israel to finalize a deal with Hamas, with Netanyahu aiming to maintain a close relationship with the incoming administration.
