A high-ranking Hamas official has urged an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and a pathway to Palestinian statehood in light of Donald Trump’s recent election as U.S. president.
Hamas Political Bureau representative Basem Naim issued this appeal during an interview with Newsweek, expressing aspirations for support in securing freedom and sovereignty for Palestinians.
Naim commented, “Trump’s election as the 47th U.S. president is primarily an internal U.S. matter. Yet, Palestinians hope for a prompt end to the aggression, especially in Gaza, and assistance in achieving freedom, independence, and an independent state with Jerusalem as the capital.”
He further criticized what he described as “unquestioning support” for Israel, arguing it endangers regional stability.
Trump, representing the Republican Party, defeated Democrat Kamala Harris. In his previous presidency, he maintained strong ties with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently involved in multiple conflicts with the Iran-supported Axis of Resistance, following an extensive Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023.