Fri Jan 31 21:43:15 IST 2025: **Hamas Open to Talks with Trump Administration Despite Concerns**
DOHA – Following a recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Hamas leaders have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Trump administration, even amidst concerns about the administration’s pro-Israel stance and controversial rhetoric. Basem Naim, a Hamas leader based in Doha, told Al Jazeera that the group is open to meeting with “anyone who can help us achieve our goals,” including President Trump. These goals include Palestinian statehood, self-determination, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. Naim emphasized that the group’s interest is driven by pragmatism, not personal preference for the US president.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Hamas senior official Mousa Abu Marzouk, who praised Trump for ending the recent conflict and expressed readiness for dialogue with the US. Hamas welcomed Trump’s intervention in ceasefire negotiations, contrasting it with the perceived inaction of the Biden administration. Naim credited Trump with exerting pressure to end the war.
However, Naim voiced concerns about Trump’s long-term plans, citing statements made by Trump administration officials about Israel’s “biblical right” to the occupied West Bank as “disappointing” and “dangerous.” He warned of escalating tensions in the West Bank and stressed the need for the Trump administration to curb Israeli actions. He highlighted his concern that a lack of pressure on Israel from the US could lead to further conflict.
Political analyst Sultan Barakat noted that Hamas’s willingness to engage reflects their resilience and recognition of Trump’s decisive role in ending the conflict, even if it doesn’t signal inherent support for the administration’s policies. Barakat contrasted Trump’s perceived effectiveness in the ceasefire negotiations with the Biden administration’s perceived ineffectiveness. While Hamas acknowledges Trump’s influence, they remain wary and don’t necessarily trust him to act in their interests. The analyst compared the current situation to Trump’s engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan, where admiration for his ability to achieve results is tempered by a lack of trust in his long-term intentions. The success of the ceasefire hinges on future developments regarding reconstruction and governance in Gaza, areas where details remain unclear.
First Piper 