Staff Reports
The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has sparked discussions in various circles, with some interesting claims about the influence of Donald Trump. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat who once held the position of Consul General in New York City, believes that credit for this breakthrough should squarely go to the President-elect. This is a bold assertion, especially given the complex history of Israeli-Palestinian relations, but it reflects a growing sentiment that Trump’s “America First” approach may have shifted the dynamics in a way that seasoned diplomats and politicians couldn’t quite achieve.
The proposed three-phase plan reveals that Hamas has allegedly pledged to release a number of Israeli prisoners taken during the October 7 attacks, while Israel would reciprocate by freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. On top of that, it seems that some displaced Palestinians might be allowed to return home. The Associated Press reported that if this deal receives the green light, it will likely lead to an influx of desperately needed humanitarian aid into a conflict zone that has endured relentless hostility for the past 15 months. However, Israeli officials are remaining cautiously optimistic while finalizing the details.
BREAKING: Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas tells CNN that Donald Trump was the "game-changer" behind the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
Biden didn't do anything.
"If you're asking what the game changer was and what brought Netanyahu to say yes now… pic.twitter.com/3JGTcqNy0W
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) January 15, 2025
Recent assessments indicate that the Gaza Strip has taken quite a beating, with over 60 percent of its buildings either damaged or destroyed. The aftermath of the October 7 incidents saw over 200 Israeli civilians kidnapped by Hamas, a staggering reminder of the ongoing tensions that leave little room for comfort or complacency.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has chimed in with a timeline for the ceasefire agreement to potentially go into effect on Sunday. His statement sounded more like a diplomatic warning, emphasizing that the success of the ceasefire hinges on both Israel and Hamas acting in good faith to prevent another collapse. This is a tall order for any deal involving Hamas, but it’s always nice to hope for the best in the realm of international relations.
President Joe Biden seems to be vying for credit for the deal during his White House remarks, even recognizing the incoming Trump Administration’s intention to support the agreement. However, his irritation became palpable when questioned about Trump’s role in securing the deal. Instead of taking the high road, Biden resorted to witty sarcasm in response to what he deemed a “joke” of a question. In stark contrast, Pinkas has been vocal about his belief that Trump’s unique approach influenced the final outcome of the negotiations, characterizing him as a significant player or “game-changer.”
Pinkas did not shy away from critiquing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting that political calculations on both sides had prolonged the conflict unnecessarily. He accused Netanyahu of stalling for political advantage and indicated that Netanyahu’s willingness to finally agree to the ceasefire was likely influenced by a desire to secure goodwill with an unpredictable Trump Administration. Pinkas speculated that Netanyahu’s train of thought was one of pragmatism: better to make a deal now while the prospect of more favorable terms could be on the table, rather than later when the political landscape might change once more. Thus, it appears that in this ongoing saga, the chessboard is shifting, and Trump may just have played a critical role in this latest move.
