Will the Gaza War Stop as the President Changes in the U.S.?

Washington: Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza are praying for their liberation as Donald Trump assumes office as the United States President. Trump might be bolder than the incumbent US President, Joe Biden, and therefore release Israeli hostages from Hamas custody. This information has been revealed by Trump’s press secretary. Trump may become the chief hostage negotiator for Gaza.

An Axios report indicated that the newly appointed press secretary by Donald Trump, Caroline Levitt, said the newly elected U.S. president will put full-scale sanctions back against Iran and stand firmly for Israel. She added, “Donald Trump will be America’s top negotiator and work to bring innocent civilians home from being held hostage.”

President Isaac Herzog of Israel told him over the phone that Israeli intelligence has determined that half of the 101 hostages, including seven Americans, are believed to survive in Gaza, amounting to around 50 to 55 individuals. Herzog reiterated to Trump that they need to rescue the hostages. Trump responded, saying he is surprised because he believed that most of the hostages were already dead.

He has urged an end to the Gaza war as soon as possible. Several senior Israeli officials regard Trump as a U.S. president who has greater influence over Netanyahu than Biden. Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that Trump needs to issue an immediate statement demanding the release of all hostages.

More than a year has passed since the beginning of fighting in Gaza, and Israel failed to gain its held hostages. Even talks between Israel and Hamas for a deal on a ceasefire, as well as the release of hostages, remained stalled for more than three months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the idea of ending the war in exchange for a hostage deal, saying it would indicate a defeat for Israel. As a result, there remains uncertainty over the release of the hostages.