Why did Trump want to secure a Gaza deal before taking office?: NYT

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The New York Times
16 Jan 2025 12:26

Securing a ceasefire before taking office cleared a "major issue" from Trump’s agenda for his second term.

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President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago, on January 9, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP)

A New York Times report on Thursday highlights that the recently announced ceasefire agreement in Gaza has resolved one of the most pressing international conflicts that loomed at the outset of US President-elect Donald Trump's second term.

For Trump, the ceasefire agreement between "Israel" and Gaza was crucial for two reasons.

According to the NYT report, the first reason for the ceasefire is that it addressed "one of the most vexing international conflicts" that loomed at the start of Trump’s second term. It also provided the President-elect with an early victory—albeit before he officially takes office.

In a social media post, Trump declared that the deal "only happened as a result of our historic victory in November."

The report stated that while the deal's terms were similar to those Biden had pursued in May, multiple sources with knowledge of the process highlighted that Trump's November victory, combined with the involvement of his incoming administration, was instrumental in advancing the negotiations.

However, the report emphasizes that concerns over what Trump might do on the global stage – particularly after he stated months ago that the world knew he was "crazy," using profanity for emphasis – have become a significant topic of private discussions among foreign leaders.

That said, the ceasefire deal allowed Trump to begin his term with fewer issues on his plate.

Biden announces ceasefire deal in Gaza

US President Joe Biden revealed on Wednesday that "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance have finalized a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, bringing an end to over a year of violence in Gaza.

The agreement, achieved through intensive negotiations led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, is expected to halt hostilities, reunite captives with their families, and significantly increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"I can announce a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas," Biden said at the White House. "Fighting in Gaza will stop, and soon the hostages return home to their families."

In a separate statement, the White House explained, "Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal. This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity."