The Art of the Deal: Trump‘s Intervention in the Gaza Conflict
The strategy was meticulously crafted, built on a foundation of assertive tactics honed over decades. First, create an off-ramp, a path for all parties to de-escalate without appearing weak. Then, relentlessly apply the principle that “Perception is everything.” This meant carefully orchestrating the image of control and impending success – a strategically timed phone call, a staged signature in the Oval Office – even before any concrete agreement was reached. the core tenet: “aim high and give little” – demanding three times the desired outcome, knowing concessions would be necessary, but ensuring a substantial gain.
The resulting plan, distilled into twenty key points, was deliberately maximalist. Trump envisioned a complete demilitarization of Gaza, the absolute exclusion of Hamas and all armed factions from any future governing role, and the permanent deployment of a multinational force to guarantee both internal security and robust border control. Initial successes included a partial Israeli withdrawal and, crucially, the return of hostages.
The pressure reached its peak on Friday, October 3rd. Trump delivered a stark ultimatum via social media: Hamas had until Sunday evening to fully accept the plan,or face consequences of unprecedented severity – a “whirlwind of death and destruction.” Within hours, Hamas responded with a qualified acceptance.
Predictably, hardliners in both Israel and Washington protested. They insisted on an all-or-nothing approach, arguing that Hamas’s refusal to disarm and relinquish its political ambitions was sufficient grounds to terminate negotiations.
Trump, though, dismissed thes objections. He framed Hamas’s partial acceptance as a significant step forward, immediately amplifying their message on social media and even recording a congratulatory video from the Oval office. When pressed by an Israeli reporter regarding the inclusion of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s future, his response was blunt: ”Do you want the hostages back or not?” His patience with Netanyahu and his administration was visibly waning.
Instead of deploying customary diplomatic channels - his Secretary of State or national Security advisor – Trump dispatched two individuals he deeply trusted: his personal friend and conflict envoy, Steven Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, a key advisor during his first term who had maintained a discreet presence since leaving office.
This was a deliberate rejection of established protocol. No career diplomats, no cautious incrementalism. To achieve a breakthrough, Trump believed, required breaking the rules, prioritizing personal relationships, and leveraging the power of his name, not simply the United States.
And, in fact, his intensely personal approach – cultivated relationships with both Netanyahu, the Emir of Qatar, and the Saudi Crown Prince – proved instrumental in achieving an outcome few considered possible: Hamas yielded, pressured by its former Islamic allies, and Israel accepted an agreement that fell short of the total destruction of the group responsible for the recent devastating attacks.
The news was delivered by Marco Rubio at a White House meeting on wednesday,almost as an afterthought during a discussion on unrelated matters.A note was passed around: “Very close. We need you to approve a publication. I had to be the first to publish it. It was his achievement. He had achieved it.”
now, the real work begins for the master dealmaker. Trump has inextricably linked his name to this agreement. He has even appointed himself President of the Peace Council, the body tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of gaza. His ultimate success will hinge on his ability to present a lasting peace in the Middle East – a goal long considered unattainable – as a definitive, completed transaction.