Staff Reports
A Qatari official has recently revealed that it was the pressure from Donald Trump, combined with the skillful negotiation efforts of President-elect Steve Witkoff, that finally got a lengthy stalled ceasefire and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel moving again. Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, the Minister of State at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the incoming administration’s approach, suggesting that it was hands-down the best strategy for handling the tense situation in the Middle East.
The situation was amusingly ironic. Al-Khulaifi pointed out that a deal initially cooked up under Joe Biden’s watch would be brought to fruition by his successor before Trump even officially takes office. It’s almost like the Biden administration was sitting in the driver’s seat, but Trump’s seasoned negotiation team quickly grabbed the wheel, speeding towards a conclusion that had previously stalled in neutral.
Reportedly, Trump and Biden managed to coordinate their diplomatic efforts before Witkoff was dispatched to the Middle East a few weeks ago. This bipartisan approach, although somewhat unconventional, breathed life back into a deal that had been gathering dust ever since it was first inked last spring and promptly fell to pieces. Ironically, a situation that was characterized by stagnation suddenly found momentum through an unexpected joint effort.
Breaking: Top Qatari official says Trump and his envoy pushed Hamas ceasefire deal 'over the line' https://t.co/tqp1Veh2Rh
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) January 15, 2025
Witkoff’s diplomatic journey involved meetings in Doha with Qatari officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Following these meetings and a separate visit to negotiate with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it became clear that the pressure was building. Trump’s public warning to Hamas—that they would face serious consequences—added a crucial element of urgency. It looks like they got the memo, as the pomp and circumstance of an impending agreement began to bubble up to the surface.
Al-Khulaifi emphasized how Trump’s clear vision for an end to the chaos helped facilitate the negotiations. Witkoff’s hard work in the final stretches of talks has been highlighted as pivotal in closing the gaps. One can’t help but chuckle at the notion that, under Trump’s guidance, even amidst a chaotic political climate, a semblance of peace could emerge. It’s a stark contrast to the dragging saga the U.S. has undergone with prior administrations, highlighting an ironic twist where success often stems from boldness rather than caution.
