U.S. President Donald Trump is being credited with a significant diplomatic achievement for brokering a deal to end the conflict in Gaza. The deal aims to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Despite Trump’s claims of achieving “eternal peace,” critics note that the agreement falls short of this ideal.
Former national security adviser John Bolton, who was dismissed by Trump in 2019 and later criticized him in a memoir, acknowledged the White House team’s role in the deal. Bolton suggested that Trump could be a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize if the agreement holds. This year’s prize, however, was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The turning point leading to the deal was Israel’s airstrike on Doha, Qatar, in early September. The strike, which targeted Hamas leadership, backfired and strained relations between Israel, Qatar, and the U.S. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction over the incident, prompting him to push for reconciliation and endorse a peace plan with Netanyahu.
Experts believe Trump’s leverage with Netanyahu was pivotal in securing the agreement, signaling the end of the war in Gaza. If the deal holds, it could pave the way for Trump to implement his comprehensive 20-point peace plan, including provisions for Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The sustainability of this achievement will depend on Trump’s continued commitment and focus.
Despite initial skepticism, Trump has received praise from various quarters, including Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal and even late-night comedy shows like The Daily Show. The positive reception of the peace deal, if successful, marks a notable accomplishment for Trump in the realm of international diplomacy.