What's happened
As of mid-October 2025, former President Donald Trump has secured a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, hailed as a 'historic dawn' in the Middle East. Trump leveraged private diplomacy, pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and rallying Arab states, including Qatar and Egypt, to support the agreement. Despite praise, key issues like Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal remain unresolved.
What's behind the headline?
Trump's Diplomatic Style and Its Impact
Trump's approach to the Gaza deal combines theatrical public displays with intense behind-the-scenes pressure, a departure from traditional US diplomacy. His ability to leverage Arab unity, notably forcing Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar's Emir, demonstrates a strategic use of regional alliances to isolate Hamas and compel Israeli concessions.
The Role of Personality in Diplomacy
Trump's dominant, alpha-male persona, as described by commentators, plays a dual role: it intimidates adversaries and sidelines European leaders, who are portrayed as less influential. This personality-driven diplomacy has reshaped perceptions of US leadership in the Middle East, contrasting sharply with the previous administration's perceived weaknesses.
Unresolved Challenges
Despite the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, critical issues remain. Hamas's refusal to disarm and Israel's lack of commitment to a full withdrawal from Gaza threaten the durability of peace. Trump's short attention span and focus on legacy-building raise questions about sustained engagement necessary for long-term stability.
Political Implications in the US
While Trump celebrates his foreign policy success, his domestic focus is questioned. His limited engagement in resolving the ongoing US government shutdown contrasts with his active international role, highlighting a potential imbalance in priorities that could affect his political standing.
Forecast
The deal marks a significant diplomatic achievement but is fragile. Trump's style will likely continue to dominate US Middle East policy, but without addressing core issues, the peace may be temporary. The involvement of Arab states and the US's assertive stance could pressure Hamas and Israel toward further negotiations, but sustained commitment is essential.
What the papers say
Miranda Devine in the NY Post highlights Trump's forceful personality and his sidelining of European leaders, noting his 'bone-crusher handshake' with Emmanuel Macron and a public snub of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The New Arab and The Mirror emphasize Trump's hero's welcome in Israel, with Netanyahu calling him the 'greatest friend of Israel' and Trump urging a pardon for Netanyahu amid corruption charges. The New Arab also notes the high Palestinian death toll and unresolved issues like Hamas's disarmament.
The South China Morning Post and Gulf News provide insight into Trump's behind-the-scenes diplomacy, detailing how he pressured Netanyahu to apologize to Qatar's Emir and leveraged Arab consensus to broker the deal. They describe Trump's shift from unconditional support for Israel to a more balanced arbiter role, using incentives and embarrassment strategically.
Eric Garcia in The Independent contrasts Trump's foreign focus with his neglect of domestic issues, particularly the government shutdown, and highlights internal Republican dynamics, including House Speaker Mike Johnson's challenges. This adds a layer of complexity to Trump's political priorities amid his international efforts.
Together, these sources paint a picture of a complex, personality-driven diplomatic success with significant unresolved challenges and domestic political distractions.
How we got here
The Gaza conflict escalated dramatically in October 2023, with over 67,000 Palestinians killed. Previous US administrations failed to broker peace. Trump, returning to the White House, used a mix of public showmanship and private pressure to negotiate a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, involving Israel, Hamas, and Arab states, aiming to reshape Middle East diplomacy.
Go deeper
- What are the main challenges to lasting peace in Gaza?
- How did Trump pressure Netanyahu and Arab leaders to reach the deal?
- What impact does this deal have on US domestic politics?
Common question
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Did Trump Really Broker a Gaza Ceasefire?
Recent reports suggest that former President Donald Trump played a key role in brokering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza. But how much of this is true, and what does it mean for Middle East peace efforts? Below, we explore the details of Trump's involvement, the terms of the deal, and what might come next for the region.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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