Hamas officials have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with former President Donald Trump, reflecting a complex interplay of optimism and skepticism regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Palestine. This shift comes in the wake of the group's revised charter in 2017, which removed explicit calls for Israel's destruction, signaling a potential readiness for negotiations.
Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior official within Hamas, has praised Trump as "a serious president," attributing the end of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict to his intervention. The group recognizes the former president's pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire talks that had stalled under President Joe Biden's administration. Basem Naim, Hamas's leader, conveyed cautious optimism about Trump's potential to pressure Israel back to the negotiating table.
In a recent statement, Naim highlighted the need for a new approach from the U.S. administration concerning the Palestinian issue. He acknowledged the strategic alliance between the U.S. and Israel, which he described as "so strong that we haven’t witnessed any serious differences between Republicans and Democrats." Despite this reality, Naim expressed hope that the current administration could pivot towards a more favorable stance for Palestinians.
Hamas is prepared to meet with any party willing to assist them in achieving their objectives, which focus on statehood, self-determination, and the right of return for Palestinians displaced since the Nakba in 1948. Naim emphasized the group’s commitment to a ceasefire agreement, stating, “We are committed to the deal and exerting maximum efforts to give this deal a chance to succeed.”
The group's leadership remains conscious of the volatility in the West Bank, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli military actions and settler violence. Naim articulated concerns over Trump's comments regarding Israel's "biblical right" to the occupied West Bank, labeling them as "disappointing" and "dangerous."
While there is a sense of admiration for Trump's previous role in negotiations, Sultan Barakat, a political analyst, noted that Hamas leaders harbor reservations about trusting him moving forward. “They admire him. But they don’t trust him moving forward,” Barakat stated.
Hamas emerged resilient from the recent 15-month conflict, despite facing intensive military efforts aimed at its eradication. The group’s determination to sustain its position reflects a broader sentiment among Palestinians regarding their rights and aspirations.
Naim affirmed that if Trump intends to pursue peace and stability in the region, he must confront Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition. “If he is really planning to achieve stability and security in the region… he has to exercise pressure on Netanyahu and his racist government,” Naim asserted.
The backdrop of these discussions is marked by a series of challenges facing both Hamas and the broader Palestinian community. The ongoing violence and instability in the region necessitate a strategic response from all involved parties.
