Window closing for Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal before Trump takes office

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1. US President-elect Donald Trump has significant pressure levers in his toolbox that could back up his threat to Hamas that if it does not release the hostages by the time he is sworn in, there will be “hell in the Middle East.” American pressure could be exerted through the food entering the Strip, funding for countries that support Hamas, and pressure on Iran.

   His statement apparently came as a result of joint thinking by Israeli and American teams. It can also be estimated that during the meeting with Sara Netanyahu, hours before his statement, the issue of the hostages came up.

   Trump could use his global power to try to secure the release of the hostages, while putting pressure on Iran. Throughout the election campaign, he threatened to impose significant sanctions on Iran. If Iran knows that its influence over Hamas can prevent it from being subject to US sanctions, it may accelerate negotiations to release the hostages and support a ceasefire.

   In addition, the president-elect will be able to influence the transfers of funds to Hamas and the Gaza Strip. Throughout the war, large sums of money were transferred to Hamas through international aid organizations. The Biden administration was unable to create power and influence on the issue through Qatar. Now Trump will be able to change, delay, and influence the transfers of funds and create financial pressure on the Gaza Strip.

   Another and perhaps most significant influence that Trump has is humanitarian aid. Even today, the US is putting significant pressure on Israel and seeking to transfer humanitarian aid to Gaza in particularly large volumes. Trump made it clear to Netanyahu that he will not insist on humanitarian aid on the scale of the Biden administration

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