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Hamas ‘trusts’ Trump’s ability to establish peace in Gaza, spokesman tells Al Arabiya

29 December 2025 17:02 (UTC +04:00)

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem has said US President Donald Trump played a key role in helping secure a ceasefire in Gaza, but warned that the situation on the ground remains deadly despite the truce coming into force, APA reports, citing Al Arabiya.

Speaking to Al Arabiya, Qassem said more than 420 people have been killed in Gaza Strip since the ceasefire came into effect, blaming Israeli military operations. He added that the overwhelming majority of the victims were children, women, and the elderly.

‘We trust Trump’

Despite this, Qassem expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to achieve peace in Gaza and the wider region, saying the United States is the only power capable of compelling Israel to fully implement agreements.

He urged Trump to continue pressuring Israel to adhere to what was agreed under the Sharm El Sheikh peace framework, which he said could lead to a genuine and lasting peace in Gaza and beyond.

Under the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on October 10, Hamas handed over the final 20 living hostages. The group has also returned the remains of 27 of the 28 deceased hostages.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration, which brokered the deal, is pushing for talks to move into a second phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that such a transition would be “complex.”

The two sides remain divided over next steps. Israel is demanding Hamas be disarmed and barred from any future administrative role in Gaza, while Hamas rejects disarmament and insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory.