Senator Lindsey Graham has disclosed that President-elect Donald Trump is pushing for a Gaza ceasefire deal “now,” with an emphasis on halting violence and securing the release of hostages. Trump’s urgency stems from his desire to resolve the crisis before his potential return to the Oval Office, emphasizing his commitment to bringing stability to the region.
Trump’s Focus on a Gaza Ceasefire Deal
According to Senator Graham, Trump is resolute in his goal of achieving a ceasefire that incorporates a hostage deal. “He wants the killing to stop and the fighting to end,” said Graham after returning from his second trip to the Middle East this month. Trump has expressed his desire for Israel to conclude the conflict swiftly, stating that resolving this crisis is essential for peace and normalcy. He remarked during a prior interview, “Get it over with fast, because you have to get back to normalcy and peace.”
Trump’s transition team has reportedly received briefings on recent U.S. ceasefire negotiations, including a deal brokered by Amos Hochstein between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The agreement, announced by President Biden, followed 14 months of intense conflict and set a precedent for diplomatic resolutions in the region.
The Role of U.S. Mediation
Graham highlighted that Trump remains focused on hostages and ceasefire negotiations as a top priority, even before addressing foreign policy objectives such as building a regional alliance against Iran. The former president has been seen as a preferred U.S. counterpart for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism for stalling international ceasefire efforts.
As Trump advocates for swift action, his approach will mark a major shift in U.S. involvement in the Middle East, emphasizing both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term stability in the region.
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