Hamas has urged the United States to press Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza following the electoral win of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. In a recent interview with Newsweek, Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim voiced hope for support in advancing Palestinian rights and independence under the new U.S. administration.
Naim addressed the international community, calling for “an immediate cessation of the aggression against our people, especially in Gaza.” He emphasized that Palestinians seek global support to attain their right to self-determination, envisioning a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. He also condemned what he described as “the blind support” the U.S. has shown for Israel’s government, which he labeled “fascist,” citing its impact on regional security and Palestinian aspirations.
The Hamas appeal arrives amidst intense ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestinian factions, with Israeli forces conducting airstrikes across Gaza in response to a Hamas-led incursion that occurred in early October 2023. Israel’s military actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties and extensive infrastructure damage throughout Gaza. According to reports from Palestinian health officials, over 15,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict escalated last month, with more than half of the victims reportedly being women and children. Israel claims its actions are aimed at neutralizing Hamas and reducing its influence in the region.
Trump, who defeated current Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, had developed a close alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his previous term. Under his leadership, the Trump administration backed Israel’s controversial decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a shift that many argue escalated tensions in the region.
With a growing humanitarian crisis and fears of further regional instability, Hamas is calling on Trump’s administration to reconsider its prior stance, encouraging it to help forge a path to peace and assist in the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
