Rhodes Critiques Trump’s Ceasefire with Hamas
Former official from the Obama administration, Ben Rhodes, referred to the deal made by President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas as “just a ceasefire” during a segment on MSNBC this past Monday.
Hamas had released 20 surviving hostages on Monday, following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities. When asked by MSNBC host Ana Cabrera about Trump’s ability to follow through with the agreement, Rhodes shared his thoughts.
“I appreciate President Trump for exerting notable influence on the Israeli government, particularly on Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, something we haven’t really seen from President Biden,” Rhodes noted. “That said, Qatar and Turkey also seem to hold considerable sway over Hamas, which is what led to this ceasefire. That’s positive, especially since Israeli hostages are being reunited with their families, and aid is reaching Gaza. However, it’s important to clarify that this doesn’t set a foundation for a stable solution; it’s merely a ceasefire. The larger issue remains unresolved.”
Rhodes elaborated, “This isn’t a genuine peace agreement. We still don’t know who will take charge in Gaza or whether Hamas will disarm. We’re really just at the beginning of what is likely to be a lengthy journey toward any sort of lasting peace. It feels like a transactional approach to diplomacy, which can lead to short-term benefits. You could compare it to running a business; it’s not always designed for gradual follow-through or intensive engagement that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict truly requires.”
In 2018, Trump had ended the Obama administration’s nuclear agreement with Iran, labeling it a “terrible deal that should never have been signed.” The 2015 agreement faced criticism for allegedly enabling Iran to pursue nuclear weapons.
The Biden administration has attempted to rehabilitate the deal, putting forward a more conciliatory strategy towards Iran. This included a plan to allow $6 billion in South Korean oil sales in exchange for five Americans held by Iran, along with the easing of sanctions to facilitate Iran’s oil exports and support for Iraq’s electricity purchases from Iran.
In June, the United States conducted strikes on facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan connected to Iran’s nuclear ambitions in the early hours of June 22 local time.
