Efforts to establish peace in the Middle East have taken a new turn with former President Donald Trump suggesting direct engagement between Washington and Hamas. This move is part of Trump’s larger objective to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations. However, analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility of this approach, citing the longstanding complexities of the region's geopolitics. The challenge for Trump includes persuading an unwilling Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to end the ongoing war in Gaza.
The three-phase ceasefire agreement, initiated on January 19, aims to halt the violence between Israel and Hamas. Yet, Trump has expressed reservations about its sustainability, stating he was "not confident" in its longevity. The second phase, which spans 42 days, presents a significant hurdle in negotiations. Steve Witkoff, serving as Trump's Middle East envoy, acknowledged these challenges but voiced a belief in the evolving leadership dynamics within the region.
"I think you could get everybody on board in that region. I really do. I think there’s a new sense of leadership over there," – Steve Witkoff
The roots of the current devastation in Gaza trace back to a Hamas attack on Israel 15 months ago. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the Palestinian population in both Gaza and the West Bank. Trump's vision for peace includes fostering diplomatic ties between Israel and key Arab states, potentially reshaping the future for Palestinians. His ambition extends to formalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia "soon", if not by the year’s end.
"soon", if not by the end of this year – Donald Trump
Trump maintains optimism that the ceasefire will enhance prospects for normalizing Israel’s relations with countries such as Qatar, which has played a crucial mediating role in the conflict. Analysts caution that achieving these diplomatic milestones requires overcoming entrenched resistance and building consensus among regional powers.
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