Trump Reportedly Aiming for Gaza Ceasefire Before Inauguration

In a push for peace, President-elect Donald Trump, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham, is working to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza before his January 20, 2025, inauguration.

Trump’s push for a ceasefire with Hamas aims to initiate his presidency with a significant diplomatic achievement already underway, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The conflict in Gaza has seen escalating violence, prompting urgent international calls for peace.

Trump has expressed his commitment to brokering a ceasefire that also includes a deal for hostages held by Hamas. This initiative is set to be a cornerstone of his foreign policy before officially taking office.

Trump, Biden Continue Respective Work on Middle East Peace Efforts

Parallel to Trump's efforts, President Joe Biden has successfully negotiated a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. This move by Biden highlights the broader U.S. strategy to stabilize the region. President Biden also emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza during a recent discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Further emphasizing the urgency, Trump and Biden held talks during Trump's visit to the White House, where they discussed the critical situation in Gaza. These discussions, confirmed by White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, mark a significant moment of cooperation as the presidential transition approaches.

Graham’s Diplomatic Engagements Set the Stage

Graham, serving as a foreign policy advisor to Trump, has been pivotal in these negotiations. Earlier in the month, Graham met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Netanyahu, aiming to solidify support for the ceasefire and discuss broader regional reform.

The lawmaker has publicly emphasized that the solution to the conflict does not lie in military action but in the reform of Palestinian society. He stated, “The best insurance policy against Hamas is not an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza but a reform in the Palestinian society. The only ones who can do that are the Arab countries.”

Challenges and Potential of Ceasefire Agreement

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation remains tense. According to Israeli intelligence, out of 101 hostages initially held by Hamas, about half are believed to still be alive. The humanitarian crisis has also deepened, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 44,000 Palestinian casualties since the onset of the conflict.

Graham's assertive statements reflect confidence in Trump's influence on the negotiations. “He wants to see it happening now,” Graham remarked, indicating Trump’s urgency in resolving the crisis. He further commented on Trump’s impact, saying, “If you are a bad guy and you are not afraid of Trump, then you are also a dumb guy. Bad and dumb guys don’t last long.”

Looking Forward to a Peaceful Transition and Beyond

The Biden administration, although in its final days, continues to prioritize a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This ongoing effort underlines the continuity of U.S. foreign policy priorities, irrespective of the presidential transition.

As Jan. 20 nears, the international community watches closely. The successful negotiation of a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza could not only save lives but also set a positive tone for Trump’s presidency, demonstrating a commitment to diplomatic solutions over military interventions.