Trump victory sparks Hamas plea for immediate end to war

Former President Donald Trump's recent election win has ignited various reactions across the Middle East, but most importantly, a senior Hamas official called for an immediate end to war, Newsweek reports. Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas' Political Bureau told Newsweek he looks forward to ceasing ‘aggression’ against his people in Gaza by halting pro-Israel support.

“Palestinians look forward to an immediate cessation of the aggression against our people, and look for assistance in achieving their legitimate rights of freedom, independence, and the establishment of their independent self-sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital," Naim told Newsweek officials. “The blind support for the Zionist entity 'Israel' and its fascist government, at the expense of the future of our people and the security and stability of the region, must stop immediately.”

The election outcome comes amid continued tension between Israel and the Axis of Resistance, igniting concerns that a Trump presidency might fuel further escalations in favor of Israel, whom the former president previously held a relationship with and has been a steadfast supporter of; however, Newsweek added in its report that despite that relationship, Trump has shown criticism of the war and has been in favor of an end. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke highly of the president-elect after Trump’s victory Wednesday saying, “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.”

Similarly, a report by DPA International highlighted how Trump was congratulated on Wednesday by Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. According to Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abbas “expressed his aspiration to work with President Trump for peace and security in the region, stressing the commitment of the Palestinian people to the pursuit of freedom, self-determination and statehood, in accordance with international law.”

Trump's promises to “not start a war” but maintain a strong military presence echo past sentiments of strength without engagement. In his victory speech, he expressed his anti-war vision, saying, “We want a strong and powerful military and ideally, we don't have to use it. You know, we had no wars four years. We had no wars. Except we defeated ISIS, we defeated ISIS in record time. But we had no wars. They said, 'He will start a war.' I'm not going to start a war. I'm going to stop wars.”

The international community will surely remain on the edge of its seat as it watches these developments play out; however, this news marks the second triumph seen after Trump won the election, following the news of the stock market skyrocketing as investors are filled with hope.