US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he was “not confident” the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, which began the previous day, would last through all three phases. Speaking from the Oval Office after his inauguration, Trump remarked, “It’s not our war. It is their war. I am not confident,” while suggesting Hamas was significantly weakened.
The initial phase of the agreement includes a temporary ceasefire, the release of 33 Israeli hostages, and up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent phases aim to free all hostages, release additional prisoners, achieve an IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and establish a permanent ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that if negotiations fail, Israel will resume fighting with US support.
Addressing Gaza’s devastation after 15 months of conflict since the October 2023 Hamas invasion, Trump described the region as a “massive demolition site” but highlighted its potential for redevelopment due to its prime Mediterranean location and climate. When asked about contributing to Gaza’s rebuilding, Trump said, “I might.”
As for Gaza’s governance, Trump ruled out Hamas, noting its poor and brutal leadership, adding, “Most of them are dead.”
The ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and the Palestinian terror group came into effect Sunday morning, bringing a halt to the war that began when Hamas-led terrorists invaded southern Israel. This brutal assault on October 7, 2023, resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. The ceasefire, a product of intense negotiations, is seen as a temporary respite, but doubts linger about its long-term stability.
Trump’s Role in the Ceasefire Deal
Arab officials familiar with the negotiations have credited former President Donald Trump’s pressure as pivotal in achieving a breakthrough that led to the three-phase accord. This deal aims to release hostages in stages, but many families of the captives fear that only a portion of their loved ones will be freed. The remaining hostages, they worry, may be left vulnerable to the outcomes of future negotiations and the fragile ceasefire’s continuation.
Far-Right Opposition and Renewed Fighting
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent far-right figure, claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured him that military operations would resume once the first phase of the ceasefire concludes. This statement has fueled concerns over the deal’s longevity and the potential for renewed conflict.
Trump’s Commentary on October 7 and Iran’s Role
Speaking on Monday, Trump reiterated his belief that the October 7 attacks by Hamas would not have occurred under his presidency. He argued that his administration’s maximum pressure sanctions regime had left Iran, Hamas’s primary backer, financially crippled. “Now they’re rich but weakened in a different way,” he said, pointing to recent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations that reportedly dismantled Tehran’s air defenses and disrupted Hezbollah’s communication networks in Lebanon.
A Vision for Peace in the Middle East
During his inauguration address, Trump emphasized his aspiration to be a “peacemaker” and end global conflicts. He expressed optimism about the possibility of a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, predicting it might be finalized by year’s end. Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed this vision, pledging to expand the Abraham Accords—a series of U.S.-brokered agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations during Trump’s first term.
A Four-Pronged Approach to Regional Stability
Witkoff outlined the administration’s strategy for the Middle East, which includes:
- Respect for Sovereignty: Acknowledging the autonomy and governance rights of nations in the region.
- Economic Prosperity as a Path to Stability: Promoting development and partnerships to foster peace.
- Courageous Diplomacy: Encouraging bold, innovative negotiations.
- Reciprocity and Accountability: Ensuring that nations take responsibility for their progress and adhere to agreements.
“A stable and prosperous Middle East is not an unattainable dream. It is a goal within our reach,” Witkoff declared, introducing Trump at an inauguration rally. He also emphasized the need to end what he described as the “financial burden” of supporting nations unwilling to invest in their development. “The days of blank checks are over,” he said.
Pause on Foreign Development Assistance
In line with this philosophy, Trump issued an executive order mandating a 90-day pause on new foreign development assistance. The order directed all U.S. departments and agencies managing such programs to halt new obligations and disbursements pending assessments of their efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals.
This move could significantly impact U.S. aid to Palestinians and other recipients, though its full scope remains unclear. It also raises questions about how much funding Congress can restrict, given its control over the federal budget. Nevertheless, the order reflects a return to Trump’s earlier foreign policy approach, prioritizing fiscal accountability and strategic alignment.
Uncertainties and Future Prospects
The ceasefire-hostage deal represents a fragile step toward peace in a region long plagued by violence and mistrust. While Trump’s renewed focus on the Middle East has garnered both praise and criticism, its ultimate success hinges on the willingness of all parties to uphold agreements and navigate the complexities of regional geopolitics.
As the world watches, the potential for renewed conflict looms large, but so does the opportunity for meaningful progress toward stability and reconciliation.
