A hostage agreement for a landmark ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was signed on Wednesday as the terrorist group realizes that the terms of the deal under President-elect Donald Trump will be far worse. said the incoming White House national security adviser. .
“Clearly this is the Trump effect,” Rep. Mike Walz (R-Fla.), Trump's chief adviser on all national security issues, told Fox News “Special Report” host Bret Baier. The whole world recognizes that.”
Walz said the deal would pave the way for the release of 33 hostages over the next 42 days in exchange for Israel releasing 1,000 Palestinians in prison and withdrawing troops from parts of northern Gaza. Hamas claimed it had “no choice but to accept” the agreement.
“They believed President Trump's word that they were going to pay a hell of a price, and that any deal on the table would be even worse once he took office.” The aide in charge spoke about the terrorist group responsible for the October attack. July 2023, attack on the Jewish state.
“So this is President Trump who took away the [Iranian Gen. Qasem] removed Soleimani [Islamic State boss Abu Bakr] Al-Baghdadi – I think all these terrorist organizations understand what kind of person they are dealing with and what kind of leader they are dealing with,” Walz said.
Walz said he understands concerns about Palestinians being released as part of the deal, but added: “At the end of the day, the hostages are being raped and abused under horrific conditions in the tunnels.” said.
“They were there longer and in worse conditions than the hostages in 1979,” he added, referring to the 53 Americans taken hostage by Iran in the final days of President Jimmy Carter's term.
“If President Trump hadn't come in and said, 'Get rid of them,' I'm convinced they would all be dead,” said Walz, who has been held captive by Hamas and held captive for the past 15 months. He talked about the hostages.
Walz said the landmark agreement was a “Reagan moment” for President Trump because Hamas “understands the consequences of not achieving this.”
The Iranian hostages were freed on January 20, 1981, the day former President Ronald Reagan replaced Carter in the White House.
Walz suggested that Trump, 78, would have no hesitation in supporting Israel if it were ultimately necessary to “return” to Gaza and carry out further operations against Hamas. .
“We have made this clear to the Israelis. I want them to hear my opinion on this matter. If they need to return, we will work with them.” the Florida Republican said.
“If Hamas does not fulfill the terms of this agreement, we will cooperate with them,” he added.
Regarding the future of the terrorist organization, Walz said Hamas “does not intend to continue as a military organization” and was adamant that it would have no role in governing Gaza if there was peace in the region.
“I think by the end of President Trump's term, we're going to be talking about rail, fiber optics, data centers and moving the region forward, in a way that only President Trump can change,” he added. I mentioned how it would be.
