Trump Visits the Middle East to be congratulated and Broaden the Abraham Accords

The Greek Courier

Sources: AP, Efsyn.gr, CNN 

Donald Trump embarked on a one-day visit to Israel and Egypt to be congratulated for the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, yet, looking forward, he aims to build on previous diplomatic efforts known as the Abraham Accords, which established ties between Israel and several Arab nations. A successful resolution to the Gaza situation could pave the way for normalization talks with key players like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, although the kingdom has indicated it won’t officially recognize Israel before a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The ceasefire, which began earlier, represents a fragile step in the ongoing conflict that escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire's durability, suggesting that public fatigue with conflict could contribute to its success. 

During his trip, Trump plans to meet with hostages' families in Israel and address the Knesset, an honor not granted to a U.S. president since George W. Bush in 2008. Following his time in Israel, he will attend a summit in Egypt with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and leaders from over 20 nations to discuss peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages held by Hamas, the release of Palestinian prisoners*, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from key urban areas. As Israeli troops began their pullback, a countdown commenced for the expected release of the remaining hostages.

While Trump has expressed hope for the reconstruction of Gaza, he acknowledged the region's devastation, describing it as resembling a demolition site. 

He had previously envisioned Gaza as a potential "Riviera of the Middle East."

The ceasefire agreement remains tenuous, with unresolved issues regarding Gaza's governance, reconstruction, and Israel's demands for Hamas disarmament. Experts have noted skepticism about Hamas voluntarily disarming, suggesting that military action may be necessary to neutralize the group. 

The conflict has left Israel facing international scrutiny and accusations of severe human rights violations, while the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Under the ceasefire deal, Israel will reopen five border crossings to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into the region, where many residents are experiencing dire conditions.

Trump's administration is also establishing a U.S.-led coordination center in Israel to assist with logistical and security support for humanitarian efforts. Approximately 200 U.S. troops will be involved in monitoring the ceasefire but will not be deployed to Gaza.

Gaza: Complications in the Release of Palestinian Prisoners

Israel ruled out the possibility of releasing Barghouti or other leaders

New obstacles are emerging, it seems, in the publication of the list of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release as part of the Gaza truce, as announced by the relevant Israeli authority. Specifically, as the Press Office for Palestinian Prisoners announced on Sunday, "complex obstacles" are currently preventing the announcement of the full list of prisoners:

"Complex obstacles continue to prevent the official announcement of the lists of released prisoners under the exchange agreement, including prisoners from Gaza. We also confirm that round-the-clock efforts are being made to overcome these obstacles and complete the necessary procedures. All details regarding the agreement will be announced once negotiations are concluded and the final lists are approved," the office stated, according to CNN.

Hamas stated that the list of prisoners Israel is set to release must include seven individuals whom Palestinians consider senior leaders, according to sources close to the negotiators speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP). "Hamas insists that the final list must include seven senior leaders, notably Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Saadat, Ibrahim Hamed, and Abbas Al-Sayed," one of the sources reported.

However, Israel has ruled out the possibility of releasing Barghouti or other leaders. Nevertheless, based on the ceasefire agreement, Israel must release 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, as well as 1,700 Palestinians from Gaza detained after October 7, 2023.