Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, has taken steps to improve his relationship with Donald J. Trump following the latter's presidential victory. Abbas met with Trump's father-in-law, Massad Boulos, and wrote a letter to Trump condemning an assassination attempt against him, while also congratulating him on his election win.
These actions are part of Abbas's strategy to mend ties with Trump, as Palestinians anticipate a president who has previously shown strong support for Israel. Even Hamas, which has been in conflict with the Palestinian Authority, has adopted a more cautious stance towards Trump, with some residents of Gaza expressing hope that he could help end the ongoing war.
During his presidency, Trump implemented policies that angered the Palestinian Authority, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cutting aid to Palestinian refugees. In response, Abbas had previously restricted contact between Palestinian officials and the Trump administration.
However, Trump has recently called for an end to the conflict in Gaza, prompting Abbas to seek a renewed dialogue with the president-elect regarding the conflict and potential cease-fire negotiations. Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among the first to congratulate Trump after the election.
In a letter to Trump, Abbas expressed a desire to work towards peace and security in the region. Abbas and Trump spoke by phone, discussing the possibility of a future meeting.
Efforts to connect with Trump began before the election, facilitated by Boulos and Palestinian American supporters. Abbas's outreach included a meeting with Boulos at the United Nations General Assembly, although Boulos characterized the meeting as personal rather than political.
Despite Abbas's attempts to engage with Trump, Palestinian officials remain cautious due to Trump's past support for Israel. Some Palestinians in Gaza hope for positive change with Trump's election, while others are skeptical, citing the U.S.'s historical alignment with Israel.
Abbas has indicated a willingness to pursue peace with Israel based on a two-state solution, proposing the presence of international observers to ensure security. However, challenges persist, including demands for reforms within the Palestinian Authority and opposition from Netanyahu's government.
As the situation evolves, the Palestinian leadership faces limited options and appears to be focusing on engaging with Trump and international allies to strengthen their position.
Hamas's response to Trump's victory has been measured, with the group stating that its stance will depend on the new administration's actions toward Palestinian rights. Meanwhile, sentiments among Gazans are mixed, with some expressing hope for a resolution while others remain doubtful of significant changes under a Trump administration.