Hamas Trump ‘Direct Talks’ Stir Middle East Geopolitical Pot
Gaza airstrikes leave buildings destroyed, says UNRWA !
Hamas Seeks Direct Talks with Trump Amid Gaza Crisis, Al Arabiya Reports
By TRH News Desk
NEW DELHI, May 16, 2025 – Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, has confirmed it is engaging in direct talks with the United States, hoping that President Donald Trump can broker peace amidst escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The revelation came from Al Arabiya English’s correspondent Trent Murray, who reported from Tel Aviv on Thursday night. The daily in a report said: “Hamas confirms direct talks with the US and hopes President Trump can broker peace in Gaza amid intense Israeli airstrikes and worsening humanitarian crisis.”
Al Arabiya’s in its coverage showed scenes of devastation in Gaza, with rubble-strewn landscapes and damaged buildings, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Hamas is hoping that Trump, known for his “deal-making” approach, might be able to mediate a resolution.
The newsbreak has come amid Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which continue to exact a heavy toll, with the death count rising overnight, further exacerbating the crisis.
Dr. Fatima Al-Masri, a Middle East policy expert at the University of Cairo, posted on X: “Hamas’s decision to seek direct US engagement, particularly with Trump, reflects a strategic shift. They likely see his administration as more amenable to their demands compared to previous US stances under Biden.”
The development came as Trump wrapped up his visit to Qatar, which is known for a deal-maker in geopolitical conflicts. Also, Hamas is reaching out to Trump amid reports of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being miffed with Washington for an abrupt withdrawal against the Yemen-based Houthis.
Hamas may also be seeking to leverage Trump’s perceived willingness to engage outside traditional diplomatic channels.
Conversely, Israeli security analyst Avi Ben-David expressed skepticism, posting, “Hamas’s approach to Trump is a gamble. His administration’s history of supporting Israel might not align with their expectations. This could either open a dialogue or backfire spectacularly.”
Trump’s strong support for Israel during his first term was marked by the recognition of Jerusalem as its capital and the Abraham Accords. During his visit to Saudi Arabia this week, Trump sought to nudge Riyadh to join the Abraham Accords.
Trump appears resetting the Middle East dynamics. Hamas’s direct approach could be an attempt to exploit perceived divisions between the US and Israel, claimed geopolitical commentators in the Middle East. A complex interplay of alliances and the potential for Trump to act as a disruptor in the region are in the spotlight in the Middle East.
Dr. Samuel Levine from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, posted on X, “The timing of Hamas’s outreach to Trump is critical. With the Gaza conflict intensifying and international pressure mounting, they might see him as a wildcard who could push for a deal, however unconventional.”
The Gaza crisis has escalated significantly since October 2023, following Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, which triggered a prolonged conflict. Israeli retaliatory airstrikes and ground operations have led to widespread destruction and a mounting death toll, with humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have been fraught, with indirect talks involving mediators like Egypt and Qatar stalling repeatedly.
Hamas’s confirmation of direct talks with the US marks a departure from previous interactions, which were typically mediated. The group’s hope that Trump can pressure Israel into a peace deal aligns with reports from Sky News, where a senior Hamas official expressed belief in Trump’s “capability and will” to achieve peace.
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