Trump's tough stance on Iran will cripple Hamas, says PA official
- Mohammad Hamdan, a senior Palestinian official, expressed confidence that Trump's administration will target Iran, which he believes could decay Hamas.
- Hamas's influence in the region is expected to diminish as the PA continues to counter its presence within Palestinian territories like Jenin.
- Hamdan's assertions reflect a broader change in the possibility of PA governance in Gaza, pursuant to the weakening of Hamas ties to Iran.
In December 2024, during a meeting in Nablus, Palestinian Authority official Mohammad Hamdan expressed optimism about President-elect Donald Trump's looming policies regarding Iran. Hamdan indicated that Trump's approach would effectively 'destroy Iran', subsequently diminishing Hamas' ability to operate and influence in the region. He highlighted the ties Hamas has with external regimes, particularly Iran, stating that Trump's tough stance would lead Hamas members to abandon their connections with Iranian governance and become more aligned with Palestinian interests. The ongoing conflict in Gaza had already severely strained Hamas, which, despite its recent popularity in certain enclaves, faced significant military setbacks. The Palestinian Authority (PA), particularly the Fatah party led by Mahmoud Abbas, has been engaging in operations aimed at curtailing Hamas activities within its territory. This has included increased security actions against extremists affiliated with Hamas, notably in areas like Jenin, known for its long-standing ties to terrorist activities. The PA's distinct negotiating position highlights their view that Hamas does not adhere to international legitimacy, rejecting key United Nations resolutions and therefore justifying their measures against it. In light of these developments, Hamdan underscored the PA's strong belief that international dynamics favor a reassertion of control by the PA over Gaza and diminishing Hamas' influence. This forecast aligns with the view that the American administration under Trump will pursue a foreign policy aimed at isolating Iran, impacting related groups such as Hamas that rely on Iranian support. As the PA attempts to re-establish governance in Gaza, it will continue to face significant challenges due to Hamas's enduring popularity among Palestinians and its historical role in resistance against Israel. In Syria, Iran's security chief has indicated that even with the fall of Bashar al-Assad, opposition to Israel is not weakened but has transformed. New groups are expected to form, which emphasizes that despite setbacks faced by pro-Iran factions, persistent sentiments of resistance against Israel remain strong throughout the region. Consequently, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to evolve, and the implications of U.S. positions could resonate deeply across borders, reinforcing existing political fractures while giving rise to new dynamics.