Donald Trump Calls for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Before Inauguration, Says Lindsey Graham

President-elect Donald Trump is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza that includes the release of hostages held by Hamas before he takes office, according to Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Speaking to Axios, Graham revealed Trump’s strong focus on resolving the hostage crisis while urging an end to the ongoing violence in the region.

“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 in an interview. “I want people in Israel and the region to know that Trump is focused on the hostages issue. He wants the killing to stop and the fighting to end.”

Graham emphasized the importance of collaboration between the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to expedite a resolution. “I hope President Trump and the Biden administration will work together during the transition period to release the hostages and secure a ceasefire,” he added.

Graham, who recently returned from his second trip to the Middle East this month, met with key regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These discussions reportedly centered on strategies to address the crisis and pave the way for stability in the region.

According to Graham, resolving the Gaza crisis would allow Trump to focus on other foreign policy objectives, such as normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Earlier this month, Trump confirmed to The Post that Middle East tensions were a key topic in his recent meeting with President Biden, describing their exchange as constructive.

The U.S. played a critical role in brokering a truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon earlier this week, a move expected to reduce regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled a willingness to cooperate with efforts to secure a ceasefire, stating its interest in ending what it describes as aggression against Palestinians.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, with over 44,000 Palestinian deaths reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, the international community remains focused on finding a peaceful resolution. Both Trump’s transition team and Graham’s office have yet to comment further on the senator’s remarks.

By advocating for immediate action on the Gaza ceasefire, Trump aims to position his administration as a decisive force for peace in the Middle East. Whether this goal can be achieved during the transition period remains to be seen.