In a recent interview with TIME Magazine, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he is considering whether to pressure Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political leader imprisoned since 2002. Trump also announced plans to visit the Gaza Strip, marking a historic first for a sitting U.S. president. These statements come as Trump continues to tout his role in brokering a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, despite ongoing violations and unresolved issues. The ceasefire, part of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, has been challenged by Israel’s refusal to open the Rafah border crossing and continued air strikes, as well as Hamas’s failure to disarm. Trump emphasized his pivotal role in halting the conflict, attributing the success to his willingness to take decisive actions, including a joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June. He also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, portraying him as the primary obstacle to peace. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has dispatched key aides, including Jared Kushner and Vice President JD Vance, to stabilize the ceasefire. Vance publicly condemned Israel’s recent moves to annex the West Bank, aligning with Trump’s pledge to prevent such actions. Trump also expressed skepticism about the Palestinian Authority’s ability to lead post-war Gaza, hinting at the need for a unifying figure like Barghouti. While Trump remains optimistic about expanding the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has set conditions, including irreversible steps toward a Palestinian state. Trump anticipates Saudi Arabia’s participation by 2025, envisioning a peaceful Middle East free from threats.
Trump says he will decide whether Marwan Barghouti should be freed and will visit Gaza soon
