President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his eagerness to bring a swift end to the war in Gaza, even as the outgoing Biden administration scrambles to secure a ceasefire deal.
Trump’s warning to Hamas has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with many analysts interpreting it as a signal of a more aggressive approach to resolving the conflict.
Speaking earlier this week, Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, stating that if the hostages held by the militant group are not released by January 20, 2025, his inauguration day, “all hell is going to break out.” This warning is reminiscent of a threat he made on social media earlier this month, in which he vowed that those responsible for the atrocities in the Middle East would face severe consequences.
While Trump’s plans for Gaza remain unclear, analysts speculate that he may deploy military resources to pressure Hamas. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, suggests that Trump’s approach may not be significantly harsher than the measures already taken by Israel. However, Alkhatib notes that Trump may explore other options, such as squeezing humanitarian aid or pressuring countries that support Hamas to cut off financing.
Trump’s warnings have been seen as a clear message to Hamas and its supporters that the US is committed to resolving the conflict. David Makovsky, director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Project on the Middle East Peace Process, believes that Trump’s statements have sent an “unmistakable message” to the region that the US is eager to bring an end to the war.
As Trump prepares to take office, his stance on Gaza has already begun to shape the calculations of combatants in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must now navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries, balancing the demands of his ultraright-wing coalition partners with the expectations of Trump, who is eager to secure a breakthrough with Saudi Arabia.
With Trump’s inauguration just around the corner, the world waits with bated breath to see how he will tackle the complex and deeply entrenched conflict in Gaza. One thing is certain, however: Trump’s bold warnings have set the stage for a dramatic and potentially transformative period in the region’s history.
