Trump Confident Gaza Ceasefire Deal Will Hold, Credits Envoy Steve Witkoff for Breakthrough
US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism about the Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal he recently helped finalize, stating that it “should hold.” These remarks reflect a softer tone compared to earlier this week when he expressed doubts about the agreement’s durability.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the situation in the region as “a very tricky place” but credited his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for successfully brokering the deal that had remained elusive for months. “Both sides liked Witkoff,” Trump explained, adding, “That deal would have never been made without Steve.”
While expressing confidence in the agreement, Trump issued a warning: “The deal should hold, but if it doesn’t, there will be a lot of problems.”
After 15 months of clashes that left a trail of destruction and death in the Gaza Strip, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement. This agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, should not be celebrated as a diplomatic triumph but rather viewed with skepticism, given Hamas’ history of violating previous agreements.
A Fragile Agreement
The ceasefire is structured in three phases, each loaded with conditions that favor Hamas more than Israel’s security. The first phase, lasting 42 days, includes the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. This deal could be seen as a concession that only encourages further aggression in the future.
The second and third phases, which aim for the release of all hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza, respectively, depend on the goodwill of a group that has repeatedly shown disdain for peace and a commitment to the destruction of Israel.
A Pause, Not a Resolution
With more than 46,000 dead in Gaza, this temporary agreement seems more like a delaying tactic by Hamas to regroup and rearm rather than a genuine pursuit of peace. History has shown that Hamas uses these periods of calm to strengthen its military capacity, not to rebuild civilian life.
Meanwhile, Israel faces international and domestic pressure to accept these terms, which is seen by many as weakening its national security stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pressured by a coalition that includes right-wing members, must navigate between maintaining Israel’s security and facing criticism for any concession perceived as weakness.
The Role of the United States and its Implications
The United States’ involvement in this agreement, particularly during an election year, reflects how domestic policies can influence international conflicts.
Trump has described this agreement as a victory of his on social media and will maintain his historic stance of pressure on Hamas.
Civil Society and the Reality in Gaza
For the inhabitants of Gaza, this ceasefire is a temporary relief, but under Hamas’ rule, any attempt at reconstruction will be for military rather than civilian purposes. Humanitarian organizations must remain vigilant to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most and is not diverted to strengthen Hamas.
This agreement must be viewed with caution. The withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of prisoners could be interpreted as capitulation to terrorism. Israel’s security must be the top priority, and any agreement that does not guarantee the complete demilitarization of Hamas and the eradication of its terrorist infrastructure only postpones the next conflict.
From a conservative perspective, it is imperative to remember that peace is not achieved by negotiating with those who have shown an unshakable commitment to violence and destruction.
This ceasefire must serve as a bridge to more decisive actions that ensure Hamas can never again threaten the existence of Israel or the well-being of its people.
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