As Donald Trump steps back into the presidency, there’s no denying the seismic shift this might signal for Middle Eastern politics, especially concerning the festering conflict in Gaza. Trump’s re-election, interestingly, has prompted a plea from Hamas for an end to what they term Israel‘s aggression in Gaza and a renewed push for Palestinian statehood.
Hamas’ call, as articulated by Basem Naim from their Political Bureau, for an end to the conflict and the establishment of a sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital, certainly raises eyebrows. Their plea coincides with Donald Trump‘s election as our 47th president—a man whose previous tenure saw no shortage of tough stances favoring Israeli interests. Let’s be clear: Hamas isn’t advocating for peace out of any newfound moral conviction. This is a strategic retreat, driven by fear of a Trump administration’s potential policies.
Trump’s alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his bold move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital were clear demonstrations of his unwavering support for Israel. With Trump’s return to office, Hamas likely anticipates a continuation of U.S. policies that bolster Israeli strength at their expense. This isn’t about their desire for peace; it’s about bracing for the storm they know Trump can bring.
Hamas’ outcry against what they term “blind support” for the so-called “Zionist entity ‘Israel'” and its “fascist government” exposes the bitter and entrenched hostility driving this enduring conflict. They paint Israel as the antagonist, conveniently omitting their own role as the instigators with the abhorrent October 7th massacre. Let’s not gloss over the fact that Hamas still holds hostages, including Americans. Donald Trump has made it clear: he intends to bring our people home, by any means necessary. The ball is in Hamas’ court to decide if they will allow a peaceful resolution or force a more decisive action.
Hamas’s appeal for and end to the war is less about genuine reconciliation and more about a calculated move to mitigate the impact of Trump’s policies. They know the kind of pressure Trump’s administration can apply and are positioning themselves accordingly. This is not a shift toward peace—it’s a tactical maneuver by an organization bracing for another round of strong U.S. support for Israel.
