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The recent negotiations aimed at ceasing hostilities in Gaza have gained significant attention due to their potential to protect the lives of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians. Additionally, these discussions could mark a notable political milestone for former U.S.
President Donald Trump. By orchestrating this agreement, Trump may have secured one of the most substantial diplomatic victories of his presidency.
One of Trump’s key achievements includes the successful retrieval of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, along with a commitment for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza.
While the specifics of the agreement are pending implementation and do not guarantee lasting peace as Trump has suggested, even some of his harshest critics are acknowledging his efforts.
Unexpected endorsements for Trump’s peace efforts
Among those offering unexpected praise is John Bolton, a former national security adviser whom Trump dismissed in 2019.
Bolton has publicly recognized the White House team’s efforts in facilitating the deal. In a recent interview, he hinted that if the agreement holds, Trump could even emerge as a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Bolton noted that while the prize will not be awarded to Trump this year—having been given to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—the former president might have a stronger case next year if the peace process endures.
This emerging optimism from a former advisor underscores a significant shift in the narrative surrounding Trump’s foreign policy achievements.
Changing dynamics in the Middle East
The agreement signifies a turning point for Trump, who faced skepticism regarding his claims about resolving the Gaza conflict.
His close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not prevented the collapse of a ceasefire established shortly before he took office, which contributed to an ongoing military campaign that allowed Hamas to retain its hostages.
The dynamics began to shift following an Israeli airstrike on Doha, Qatar’s capital, a key player in the diplomatic landscape and a nation that provided Trump with a new $400 million jet for Air Force One.
The strike failed to achieve its intended goals and angered both the Qataris and the White House, with Trump publicly expressing his dissatisfaction.
In the aftermath, Trump compelled Netanyahu to apologize to the Emir of Qatar and subsequently gained his endorsement for a detailed 20-point peace proposal. Analysts indicate that this incident marked a critical turning point for Trump, enabling him to exert more influence over Netanyahu than previous U.S. presidents.
Evaluating the long-term implications
Experts, including Dave Harden, a managing director at the Georgetown Strategy Group, assert that Trump’s unique ability to exert pressure on Netanyahu was instrumental in reaching this agreement. Harden observes that Trump’s approach differed from past administrations, allowing for a more assertive stance in peace negotiations.
Potential for lasting peace
Gershon Baskin, a former Israeli negotiator involved in previous hostage releases, emphasizes the significance of this agreement as a declaration of the war’s conclusion rather than merely a temporary ceasefire. He notes that Trump’s decisive action in calling for an end to the conflict was pivotal.
From a political perspective, Michael Desch, an international affairs professor at the University of Notre Dame, points out that Trump has a domestic political environment conducive to advancing his peace plan, which includes provisions for Palestinian self-determination. Desch highlights the necessity for sustained commitment to achieve meaningful progress, questioning whether Trump can maintain the focus required for a lasting resolution.
One of Trump’s key achievements includes the successful retrieval of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, along with a commitment for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza. While the specifics of the agreement are pending implementation and do not guarantee lasting peace as Trump has suggested, even some of his harshest critics are acknowledging his efforts.0
One of Trump’s key achievements includes the successful retrieval of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, along with a commitment for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza. While the specifics of the agreement are pending implementation and do not guarantee lasting peace as Trump has suggested, even some of his harshest critics are acknowledging his efforts.1
