President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to swiftly end the ongoing war in Gaza, warning that the situation could spiral into chaos if Hamas fails to release hostages by January 20, the day he officially assumes office.
The Voice of America’s White House correspondent, Patsy Widakuswara, examines the prospects for peace as the Biden administration continues to push for a ceasefire agreement.
For over 14 months, the conflict has caused immense suffering, with Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensifying in retaliation to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks. Dozens of hostages, including Americans, remain captive by Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
Trump has warned of devastating consequences should the hostages not be freed before his inauguration, stating, “They should figure out what that means, but one thing is certain—it won’t be good.”
While Trump previously took credit for mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon last month, his strategy for Gaza remains unclear.
“President Trump may employ some military pressure on Hamas, though it’s unlikely to be more severe than Israel’s ongoing operations. However, there could be a different approach, such as restricting humanitarian aid, though I hope that won’t be the case,” said Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib of the Atlantic Council.
Meanwhile, the current administration is working to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a transformation in Gaza to ensure Hamas is removed from leadership and to enable governance, security, and reconstruction.
Despite efforts, diplomatic progress with key regional players like Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar has yet to yield a breakthrough. Analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of a ceasefire, either before or after Trump’s inauguration.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted the transitional period as an opportunity for collaboration between the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration.
“It’s crucial for both administrations to demonstrate strength and work closely to deliver a unified and clear message to allies and all parties in the Middle East,” Sullivan said.
Both leaders have emphasized a shared goal: to see the conflict resolved. However, these calls for peace have so far gone unheeded by either side.
