US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism on Monday regarding the longevity of the Gaza ceasefire, despite being credited with brokering the agreement between Israel and Hamas. Trump stated that he was 'not confident' about the ceasefire holding, emphasizing that it was not the United States' war but rather a conflict between the involved parties.
Trump's doubts align with the sentiments of some extremist right-wing Israeli politicians who view the ceasefire as a concession to Hamas. There have been calls to resume hostilities from figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have threatened to withdraw support if the ceasefire continues beyond the initial phase.
Israeli media speculates that these threats could hinder negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which aims to see the complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza starting on February 4.
Despite Trump's initial commitment to ending wars, his recent actions, such as rescinding sanctions against Israeli settlers and receiving praise from Israeli officials, suggest a different approach. Finance Minister Smotrich, a proponent of re-establishing Jewish settlements in Gaza, has expressed gratitude towards Trump and hopes for continued cooperation.
When questioned about Gaza's governance, Trump criticized Hamas' leadership and hinted at a potential role in the enclave's reconstruction, highlighting its strategic location and favorable climate. These sentiments echo previous statements made by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, regarding the value of Gaza's waterfront property.
While the future of the Gaza ceasefire remains uncertain, Trump's stance and actions indicate a complex interplay of diplomatic efforts, regional dynamics, and conflicting interests in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
