Gaza Cease-Fire: Trump's Strategic Win Before His Second Term

President-elect Trump has secured a significant cease-fire agreement in Gaza, positioning it as an early victory amidst turbulent international relations.

As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares for his second term, a newly brokered cease-fire agreement in Gaza has emerged as a pivotal accomplishment. This development not only alleviates one of the most challenging international conflicts that overshadowed his transition but also allows Trump to tout an early achievement—though it materialized prior to his official inauguration.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump asserted that the agreement was made possible due to his “Historic Victory in November.” While the terms of the cease-fire closely resemble what President Biden had proposed last May, insiders indicate that the momentum gained from Trump’s recent electoral success, alongside the engagement of his forthcoming administration, played a crucial role in facilitating this breakthrough.

The tense backdrop of the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, dominated the narratives leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Trump's candidacy gained traction not only as the Republican nominee but also as a figure who survived an assassination attempt earlier in the year, ultimately fostering a stronger rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their relationship had previously soured after Netanyahu publicly congratulated Biden on his 2020 election win.

Concerns regarding Trump's unpredictable nature have become increasingly prevalent among global leaders, influencing discussions about his potential actions on the international stage. Thus, the newly instituted cease-fire deal, largely negotiated with the support of Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, provides him with an opportunity to commence his second term with one less international issue on his plate.

Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent, offers a comprehensive look at the implications of this cease-fire on Trump's upcoming presidency, as well as the broader context within the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.