Trump’s Involvement in Gaza Ceasefire Deal
**Tel Aviv** – After eight months of negotiations, a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is finally on the verge of being sealed. President Joe Biden has confirmed that the deal is based on a May 2024 ceasefire plan endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. This deal could potentially bring an end to the 15-month-long war in Gaza, which has claimed thousands of lives and left many more in captivity.
Trump’s Role in Negotiations
President-elect Donald Trump has been at the forefront of discussions, claiming that without his involvement, the hostages in Gaza would never have been released. While U.S. officials credit Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Biden’s representative Brett McGurk for securing the deal, Trump himself is eager to take the lion’s share of the credit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has personally thanked Trump for his contributions to the negotiations. Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas had changed its stance since the deal was first proposed in May. The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, confirmed killed by Israeli forces, has also been a factor in the shifting dynamics of the negotiations.
Impact on Families
The ceasefire deal has brought hope to families of hostages held in Gaza. Efrat Machikawa, whose uncle remains in captivity, expressed her gratitude for the progress made. Machikawa, who had not received any news about her uncle for months, is now hopeful that he will be among the hostages released in the first phase of the deal.
Gil Dickmann, who lost a cousin in Gaza, credits Trump as the “X factor” that pushed the deal forward. He noted that Trump’s presidency has been a pivotal factor in moving the negotiations along.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress made, there are concerns about the implementation of the ceasefire deal in the coming months. Gershon Baskin, a seasoned negotiator, emphasized the importance of enforcing the agreement to ensure lasting peace in the region. He fears that the process may face obstacles along the way but remains hopeful that the deal will ultimately bring stability to Gaza.
As the ceasefire deal moves closer to fruition, the world watches with bated breath to see if this historic agreement will finally bring an end to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas.
