Sen. Graham says Trump wants Gaza ceasefire deal before inauguration, Axios reports
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed that President-elect Donald Trump is seeking a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage deal before the inauguration day on January 20, according to recent reports.
Achieving a Gaza ceasefire has been a goal for President Joe Biden’s administration in the closing weeks of his presidency. However, the lack of significant advancements on this matter—despite a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon—suggests that the responsibility may fall to the incoming Trump administration.
“Trump is more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal. He wants to see it happening now,” Graham said. “I want people in Israel and in the region to know that Trump is focused on the hostages issue. He wants the killing to stop and the fighting to end.”
Graham’s remarks followed his visit to the Middle East, marking his second trip this month, during which he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Currently, there are 101 hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas, including seven American citizens. Israeli intelligence believes that approximately half of these hostages are still alive.
The ongoing conflict has taken a severe toll, with more than 44,000 Palestinians reported killed over the course of the past year, according to the Gaza health ministry.
“I hope President Trump and the Biden administration will work together during the transition period to release the hostages and get a ceasefire,” Graham added.
