In a recent statement to Newsweek, senior Hamas official Basem Naim called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and advocated for a clear path to Palestinian statehood. Naim, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, expressed that the recent election of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s election to office is an American issue.
However, he emphasized that Palestinians hope Trump’s leadership could contribute to an end to hostilities in Gaza and support Palestinian aspirations for freedom, independence, and an established state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Naim criticized what he described as “blind support” for Israel and its government, which he believes jeopardizes regional stability and the future of the Palestinian people. He urged the U.S. to reconsider its stance on supporting Israel, calling the situation unsustainable for lasting security in the Middle East.
Trump’s Potential Influence in Resolving Gaza Conflict Amid Historical U.S.-Israel Alliance
During Trump’s prior administration, he maintained a close alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who now leads Israel through a challenging period of conflict with the Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance, including Hamas. While Trump has generally supported Israel, he has also voiced reservations about Netanyahu’s handling of wartime leadership, particularly following Hamas’s large-scale attack on Israel in October 2023, and has advocated for a timely resolution to the crisis.
An Israeli official also weighed in, telling Newsweek that the U.S.-Israel relationship has historically been bipartisan, reflecting enduring ties since Israel’s founding. The official expressed confidence that these ties would remain strong, expecting continued cooperation with Trump’s administration to foster a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Middle East.
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Netanyahu Praises Trump’s Return, Straining Biden’s Israel Policy Amid Conflict Tensions
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue to show signs of disagreement regarding the direction of the ongoing conflict, even as the U.S. maintains substantial military support for Israel. Despite these tensions, Netanyahu was the first to congratulate Donald Trump on what some are calling “history’s greatest comeback.”
In his Wednesday statement, Netanyahu remarked, “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.” He later spoke directly with Trump in what was described by Israeli sources as a “warm and cordial” conversation. During the call, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on securing Israel’s safety and discussed concerns about the Iranian threat.
