Diplomat Credits Trump With Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal: ‘The First Time There Has Been Real Pressure’ on Israel
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
A diplomat aware of the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas credited President-elect Donald Trump for the deal’s success.
Speaking to the Washington Post under the condition of anonymity, the unnamed diplomat revealed that Israeli negotiators made concessions on issues that had previously impeded ceasefire talks. The diplomat noted Israel was under pressure to accept a deal after Trump became involved.
The diplomat said that for the “first time there has been real pressure on the Israeli side to accept a deal.”
A ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was announced on Wednesday morning. Both sides have reportedly agreed to pause their fighting, and the remaining Israeli hostages will be released. The negotiations took place in Doha, Qatari where Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was present.
Moreover, the unnamed diplomat told WaPo that Hamas was not in a position to say no to a deal especially after the loss of high-ranking leadership.
“Hamas doesn’t have the capacity to say no to anything,” the diplomat told WaPo. “Operationally, they are very weak; no one wants to be seen as a leader.”
The second phase of the agreement and peace talks will include more challenging points including who will administer the Gaza Strip.
Trump celebrated the deals success by writing to his followers on Truth Social, “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” The president-elect then followed up with a larger statement where he took credit for the agreement by stating it “could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November.”
This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones. With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World! We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!
