Fri Jan 17 03:43:22 UTC 2025: ## Trump Takes Credit for Gaza Ceasefire, Leaving Arab Americans With Mixed Feelings

**Washington, DC** – A fragile ceasefire in Gaza, agreed upon by Israel and Hamas, has sparked outrage and cautious optimism among Arab Americans, many of whom switched their allegiance to Donald Trump in the recent election due to the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict. The deal, set to take effect Sunday, comes after months of stalemate and the deaths of over 46,700 Palestinians in the last 15 months.

Incoming President Trump claims credit for securing the agreement, asserting that his intervention was crucial in convincing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the terms, which include a prisoner exchange. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, reportedly played a key role in the negotiations. While Qatari officials thanked Witkoff publicly, the extent of Trump’s influence remains debated.

This intervention has fueled anger among Arab Americans who feel the Biden administration failed to act sooner, despite claiming to have been working tirelessly towards a ceasefire. Critics point to the administration’s veto of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire and its continued unconditional arming of Israel as evidence of a lack of political will. Several former US officials have echoed this sentiment, stating the deal is essentially the same proposal that has been on the table since May.

The shift in Arab American voting patterns, particularly in Michigan, was dramatic. In Dearborn, a predominantly Arab area, Vice President Kamala Harris received less than 20% of the vote, with many voters opting for Trump or third-party candidates. This shift underscores the community’s dissatisfaction with the Democrats’ pro-Israel stance.

While celebrating the potential end to hostilities, many Arab Americans remain skeptical about the ceasefire’s longevity, given Israel’s history of violating such agreements and the continued presence of staunchly pro-Israel figures in Trump’s incoming cabinet. Concerns remain about the future, especially with Trump’s past policies supportive of the Netanyahu government. The community awaits Sunday to see if the ceasefire holds, and whether Trump’s intervention represents a genuine shift in US policy towards the conflict.

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