President Trump dramatically shifted U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East, proposing American control of the Gaza Strip.
“The U.S. will assume control of Gaza, and we will handle it effectively. We’ll own it and be responsible for removing all dangerous, unexploded ordnance and weapons, demolishing damaged structures, leveling the area, and creating economic development that will generate numerous jobs and housing opportunities for the people of the region,” President Trump stated during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
Following Hamas’s surprise attacks of October 7, 2023, Israel has been dealing with the aftermath and fighting Hamas’s control of Gaza. A key question has been Gaza’s future after Hamas, a question addressed by President Trump’s announcement.
Even before his inauguration, Trump’s warning of severe consequences seemed to influence Hamas, leading to the release of hostages for the first time since November 2023.
“There’s a clear alignment between Jerusalem and Washington, evident in Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington, as the first foreign dignitary invited to the White House post-election,” Asaf Romirowsky, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, told Digital on Monday.
“The Trump administration is clearly assisting with hostage releases, and discussions in Washington this week will focus on resuming the war and securing the remaining hostages,” Romirowsky added.
Despite several hostage releases, Romirowsky remains doubtful about Hamas’s susceptibility to U.S. pressure.
“Hamas, by nature, won’t be deterred by the U.S. government and will continue pursuing its agenda through Qatar and other intermediaries,” Romirowsky stated. “However, Israel appears to be receiving the necessary military support, and the hope is that this continues regarding the Gaza war and the wider Middle East conflict.”
Before leaving office in 2020, President Trump initiated the Abraham Accords, fostering peace between Arab nations and Israel, involving the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Many anticipated a treaty with Saudi Arabia.
“The aim is undoubtedly to expand the Abraham Accords, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia,” Romirowsky noted. “Saudi-Israeli relations are also intertwined due to their shared security concerns regarding Iran.”
Before meeting Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump signed an executive order ending U.S. involvement with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Former President Biden ceased funding UNRWA after reports that some staff participated in the October 7 attacks on Israel. Furthermore, freed hostage Emily Damari, abducted from her home in Kfar Aza, reported being held in UNRWA facilities and denied medical care by Hamas after being shot twice.
In the joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump labeled the UNHRC “antisemitic.” President Trump also withdrew from the UNHRC during his first term. The Biden administration rejoined the body in 2021.