US President-elect Donald Trump is pushing for a ceasefire and a captive deal in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham, who shared the remarks in an interview for Axios.

President Biden's lack of significant progress to secure the Gaza deal during his remaining time in office raises the likelihood that this responsibility could be transferred to Trump.

Israeli officials anticipate a potentially different approach to Gaza under Trump's administration, especially concerning post-war strategies. Graham, a key advisor to Trump on Middle Eastern foreign policy, said as quoted by Axios that Trump is determined to secure the release of captives and an end to the war, preferably before assuming office.

"Trump is more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal. He wants to see it happening now," Graham added.

The broader picture

The Israeli war on Gaza has resulted in the killing of over 44,000 Palestinians over the past year, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. 

Graham also expressed hope for bipartisan collaboration during the transition, saying, "I hope President Trump and the Biden administration will work together during the transition period to release the hostages and get a ceasefire."

Graham made his comments after returning from a Middle East visit, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He suggested that achieving a Gaza deal would clear the way for Trump's broader regional priorities, such as advancing "Israel"-Saudi normalization and forming an alliance against Iran.

Key debates

Graham voiced opposition to hardline proposals from Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, who suggested facilitating "voluntary immigration" to reduce Gaza's Palestinian population. "I think he should talk to Trump and hear what he wants. If you haven't spoken to him, I wouldn't put words in his mouth," Graham said, as quoted by Axios.

He also stressed the importance of incorporating a Palestinian component in any Saudi-Israeli normalization deal.

Dive deeper

President Biden and President-elect Trump discussed the Gaza ceasefire deal during a two-hour Oval Office meeting two weeks ago. The issue also surfaced in discussions between White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Trump’s incoming advisor, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), as well as between Biden's Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to shift focus to a Gaza deal following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Netanyahu reportedly expressed his willingness to pursue the effort.

On his part, Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt claimed, as reported by Axios, that Trump’s reelection reflects the public's trust in his leadership to restore peace and stability in the Middle East. “When he returns to the White House, he will take the necessary action to do just that,” Leavitt stated.

Senator Lindsey Graham highlighted Trump’s impact on Middle Eastern diplomacy, stating, "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."

It is worth noting that a Hamas delegation is set to visit Cairo on Saturday to engage in talks on new Egyptian proposals for a ceasefire deal.

Read more: The US never tried to secure a ceasefire in Gaza: Foreign Policy