In a startling revelation that could reshape the geopolitical landscape, former US President Donald Trump has claimed he was mere weeks away from sealing a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Gaza before leaving office in 2021.
The controversial Republican leader made the explosive assertion during an extensive interview, insisting that his administration's diplomatic efforts would have prevented the devastating October 7th Hamas attacks that triggered the current conflict.
The Unfinished Deal
According to Trump, his team had made significant progress in brokering what he describes as "the ultimate deal" for Middle East stability. "We were three weeks away from probably signing the Gaza peace deal," Trump revealed, painting a picture of an agreement that was tantalisingly close to completion.
The former president didn't mince words when assigning blame for the collapse of these negotiations, directly pointing fingers at the Biden administration's handling of Middle East relations since taking over the White House.
Preventing Bloodshed
Trump's most provocative claim centres around his conviction that the Hamas-led assault that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis would never have occurred under his watch. "The October 7th attack would not have happened, would not have happened, and Israel wouldn't have been attacked," he stated emphatically.
This bold declaration adds fuel to the ongoing debate about how different foreign policy approaches might have altered the course of events in one of the world's most volatile regions.
Netanyahu Relationship Dynamics
The interview also shed light on Trump's complex relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While acknowledging their past cooperation, Trump suggested the Israeli leader has been permanently changed by the trauma of recent events.
"Bibi Netanyahu right now... I will tell you, he's a different Bibi," Trump observed, hinting at the psychological toll the conflict has taken on the long-serving prime minister.
Political Implications
These revelations come at a critical juncture in American politics, with Trump positioning himself as the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election. His comments about Middle East diplomacy are clearly designed to contrast his approach with the current administration's policies.
As the Gaza conflict continues to dominate international headlines, Trump's claims about what might have been add a compelling "what if" scenario to the global conversation about peace in the region.
