US official to ToI: Trump’s wish to free hostages doesn’t mean he accepts continued Hamas rule of Gaza

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

This aerial view shows a billboard of US President Donald Trump in Ramat Gan by the Coalition for Regional Security promoting a regional peace deal, during a US trip by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on February 4, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
This aerial view shows a billboard of US President Donald Trump in Ramat Gan by the Coalition for Regional Security promoting a regional peace deal, during a US trip by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on February 4, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump’s desire to see all of the remaining hostages released should not be “misconstrued” for a willingness to allow Hamas to remain in control of Gaza, a US official tells The Times of Israel.

Asked how the two positions can be reconciled, given that the second phase of the ongoing hostage deal envisions an end to the war in exchange for Hamas releasing the remaining living hostages, the US official speaking on condition of anonymity says the issue will be discussed in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas that are resuming this week.

Separately, a senior Arab diplomat tells The Times of Israel that while Hamas is willing to cede civilian control over Gaza, it is unlikely to give up its weapons.

“Israel will have to decide whether this is sufficient — at least for now — if it wants the remaining hostages back,” says the senior Arab diplomat.

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