Middle East expert says Israel and the US are back on the same page — but that doesn’t mean Hamas is deterred

President Donald Trump has made a major shift in Washington’s stance towards Israel and the Middle East by proposing a U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip. During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump announced that the U.S. would take over the Gaza Strip and take responsibility for dismantling dangerous weapons, leveling destroyed buildings, and creating economic development to provide jobs and housing for the people in the area.

The decision comes after nearly 16 months of fighting with Hamas, the terror organization that has controlled Gaza. President Trump’s announcement has provided a solution to the question of what will happen once Hamas is no longer in control. The move also follows Trump’s threat of “all hell to pay,” which seemed to have an impact on Hamas as they released hostages for the first time since November 2023.

There is a sense of alignment between Jerusalem and Washington, as evidenced by Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the White House. The Trump administration’s efforts in securing hostage releases and supporting Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas have been crucial in the region. However, there are doubts about whether Hamas will be deterred by the U.S. government’s actions.

President Trump’s previous initiative, the Abraham Accords, aimed at creating peaceful relationships between Arab nations and Israel, has shown promise in the region. With the potential for expanding the accords to include Saudi Arabia, there is hope for further stability and security in the Middle East.

In addition to the Gaza Strip takeover proposal, President Trump also signed an executive order ending U.S. engagement with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This decision comes after reports of UNRWA staff participating in attacks against Israel and mistreatment of hostages held in UNRWA facilities.

President Trump’s strong stance against antisemitism and support for Israel has been evident throughout his presidency. The withdrawal from the UNHRC and UNRWA, along with continued efforts to combat terrorism in the region, demonstrate his commitment to promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

Overall, President Trump’s bold actions in the Middle East reflect a strategic approach to addressing longstanding conflicts and fostering stability in the region. With the U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip and continued efforts to strengthen relationships with key allies, there is hope for a brighter future in the Middle East.