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Following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, Hamas has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. In an interview with Newsweek, Basem Naim, a spokesperson for the Hamas Political Bureau, expressed hope that Trump’s administration might reconsider U.S. policy towards Israel and provide support for Palestinian aspirations.
Hamas Hopes for Shift in U.S. Policy
Reflecting on Trump’s election victory over incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, Naim described the outcome as an “internal American matter” but underscored the Palestinian desire for greater U.S. neutrality. “Palestinians look forward to an immediate cessation of the aggression against our people, especially in Gaza,” he said. Naim emphasized the need for Palestinian independence and a self-sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, urging the U.S. to revise its stance on Israel.
Critique of U.S. Support for Israel
During his first term in office, Trump fostered a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas criticized the unwavering support for Israel, which Naim described as “blind” and argued that it destabilizes the region. He called for the U.S. to end its backing of Israel’s current administration, labeling it a “fascist government” and condemning its actions against the Palestinian people.
Ongoing Conflict with Iran-Aligned Forces
The Hamas statement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance” coalition. Conflict erupted in October 2023 with a large-scale Hamas-led attack, sparking a new wave of hostilities. The Israeli government has since pursued intensified operations across Gaza, marking one of the most severe escalations in recent years.
International Reactions and Future Outlook
Hamas’s call for peace aligns with broader regional appeals for a renewed focus on diplomacy and statehood. However, experts are divided on whether Trump’s presidency will lead to a change in U.S. policy toward Palestine and Israel. As the U.S. prepares for the presidential transition, attention now turns to the potential foreign policy priorities Trump may set, and how these could shape the Middle East’s trajectory.