Hamas calls for end of war and Statehood
In an official statement to Newsweek, Naim stated, “The election of Trump as the 47th president of the USA is a private matter for the Americans, but Palestinians look forward to an immediate cessation of the aggression against our people, especially in Gaza, and seek assistance in achieving their legitimate rights of freedom, independence, and the establishment of their independent self-sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Calling for the U.S. to end its support of Israel, Naim criticized what he described as “blind support for the Zionist entity” that has, in his view, destabilized the region. His remarks reflect a sentiment within Palestinian leadership that sees potential for a shift in U.S. policy under Trump’s administration, particularly in relation to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump’s Relationship with Israel: A Complicated History
Donald Trump has maintained a nuanced stance on Israel throughout his political career. His first term as president included strong support for Israel, with notable steps such as relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and facilitating the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and multiple Arab nations. Trump’s alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been a defining feature of his Middle Eastern policy. However, he has also recently expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, calling for a timely resolution.
As Hamas calls for Trump’s intervention, Netanyahu’s congratulatory statement on Trump’s “historic comeback” indicates a continued alliance between the U.S. and Israel. In a conversation with Trump following the election, Netanyahu affirmed intentions to collaborate on Israel’s security concerns, including countering Iran’s influence in the region.
Ongoing War Complicates U.S.-Middle Eastern Relations
The ongoing war in Gaza has led to a multi-front conflict for Israel, involving strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as skirmishes with other regional factions aligned with Iran. The United States has shown consistent support for Israel under the Biden administration, providing substantial military assistance while cautioning for civilian safety considerations in war zones. However, Biden’s support has garnered mixed reactions, with some pro-Israel advocates calling for a firmer stance, while others criticize his approach as insufficiently supportive of Palestinian humanitarian needs.
Hamas calls for war end urged the U.S. to halt its military support to Israel and recognized the growing domestic pressure within the U.S. to reconsider longstanding support for Israeli actions in Gaza. The group emphasized its ongoing commitment to Palestinian sovereignty and rejected any proposal that compromises Palestinian claims over territories they deem crucial for statehood.
Hamas End of War: A Divisive Issue for Trump’s Administration
In his victory speech, Trump asserted a commitment to peace, voicing his intention to avoid wars and claiming that his prior term saw the defeat of ISIS without the initiation of new conflicts. Trump’s position on ending the war could influence U.S. relations with regional allies and adversaries alike, as his administration will inherit a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by the current war in Gaza and heightened tensions with Iran.
With global attention fixed on how Trump’s policies may differ from his predecessor’s, Hamas calls for end of war to the conflict underscores the organization’s strategy of seeking diplomatic support to achieve its goals. Whether Trump will adopt a more conciliatory approach to Palestinian demands remains uncertain, but both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas have welcomed dialogue with the Trump administration, hoping for progress toward their longstanding objectives.
