A senior Hamas official is calling for an immediate end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, urging world leaders to prioritize Palestinian statehood after former President Donald Trump secured a new term. In a statement shared with Newsweek, Basem Naim, Hamas Political Bureau member and spokesperson, emphasized the urgency of stopping what he described as aggression against Palestinians.
“The election of Trump as the 47th president of the USA is a private matter for the Americans,” Naim told Newsweek, “but Palestinians look forward to an immediate cessation of the aggression against our people, especially in Gaza, and look for assistance in achieving their legitimate rights of freedom, independence, and the establishment of their independent self-sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Tensions Heighten Over U.S.-Israel Relations
Hamas has openly condemned U.S. support for Israel, with Naim adding, “The blind support for the Zionist entity ‘Israel’ and its fascist government, at the expense of the future of our people and the security and stability of the region, must stop immediately.”
During his previous term, Trump maintained a close bond with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a relationship that saw numerous pro-Israel policy shifts. However, the former president has recently criticized Netanyahu’s handling of ongoing conflicts and urged a swift resolution to the violence.
When approached for comment, an Israeli official reiterated the long-standing partnership between Israel and the United States. “Maintaining and building upon the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel has been a bipartisan feature of American politics since the founding of the Jewish state,” the official told Newsweek.
“We have no doubt that this will continue to be the case,” the Israeli official said.
“Going forward, we look forward to a strong working relationship with his administration to bring about a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Middle East.”
Palestinian Perspectives Amid Shifting U.S. Policies
As the dust settled on Election Day, Netanyahu extended congratulations to Trump, describing his victory as “history’s greatest comeback.” “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” Netanyahu said in a statement. Later, Netanyahu spoke with Trump in what was characterized as a “warm and cordial” conversation, where both leaders pledged cooperation for Israel’s security and discussed threats from Iran.
With the Israel-Hamas war now extending to broader confrontations across the Middle East, the conflict is stirring significant debate within U.S. political circles. The Biden administration has been criticized for its responses, both by pro-Israel advocates who demand stronger support and by pro-Palestinian groups who argue for greater restraint.
In alignment with Biden’s approach, Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign expressed sympathy for civilians affected by the conflict while reaffirming the United States’ support for Israel. Harris’ team dismissed any notion of halting U.S. arms sales to Israel, underscoring the administration’s commitment to Israel’s defense.
Calls for Peace From Palestinian Leaders
Hamas issued a statement Wednesday, demanding an end to Israel’s Lebanon campaign and urging the U.S. to “stop providing military support and political cover to the Zionist entity, and to recognize the legitimate rights of our people.” According to the statement, “The American president-elect is required to listen to the voices that have been raised from American society itself for more than a year regarding the Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip,” the statement said, “rejecting the occupation and genocide, and objecting to support and bias toward the Zionist entity.”
Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, leading the West Bank-based administration in opposition to Gaza-based Hamas, also congratulated Trump, expressing hope for collaborative efforts to secure peace in the region. In a message shared through the Palestine News and Information Agency (WAFA), Abbas underscored the Palestinian commitment to statehood under international law. “We will remain steadfast in our commitment to peace,” Abbas stated, “and we are confident that under your leadership the United States will support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
The Trump Administration’s Middle East Legacy
Throughout his first term, Trump’s policies drew sharp criticism from Palestinian leadership, especially following his decision to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and his 2020 proposal to settle the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. His “deal of the century” promised investment and some territorial concessions but required Palestinians to accept strict conditions, including disarmament and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. This proposal faced widespread resistance across the Arab world but led to the Abraham Accords, establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Additionally, Trump’s approach to Iran — marked by withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani — intensified U.S.-Iran tensions. His administration has since criticized the Biden administration’s handling of Iran, arguing that the Democratic approach is overly lenient.
Addressing supporters on election night, Trump outlined his vision for a “powerful military” and emphasized his commitment to avoid war. “You know, we had no wars four years. We had no wars. Except we defeated ISIS, we defeated ISIS in record time,” Trump stated. “They said, ‘He will start a war.’ I’m not going to start a war,” Trump said early Wednesday. “I’m going to stop wars.”
Trump’s stance on Middle Eastern affairs now faces a new test, with challenges mounting in Gaza, Iran, and U.S.-Israel relations. Both allies and adversaries across the region await his next move.
