February 2, 2025 – Fox News
Overnight, American hostage Keith Siegle was released from Gaza along with two others as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The release marks the 17th hostage freed under the agreement, a significant step in de-escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking on Fox News, Ellie Cohanim, former Deputy Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism under President Donald Trump, credited the administration’s swift action in bringing stability to the conflict.
“President Trump, within just 12 days of taking office, has managed to stabilize an escalating situation,” Cohanim said. “We now have a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, hostages being released, and even humanitarian efforts underway, such as the Philadelphia Corridor opening for wounded civilians and Hamas fighters to receive medical care in Egypt.”
Trump’s Strategy in the Middle East
Cohanim emphasized that Trump’s “hands-on leadership” has been instrumental in these developments. She highlighted the role of Steve Witkoff, Trump’s presidential envoy, in engaging regional leaders.
“He has met with the Palestinian Authority’s No. 2 official, top Saudi officials, and Israeli hostage families, giving them hope and reassurance,” she explained.
The administration’s approach has centered on leveraging diplomatic relationships while maintaining a strong stance against terrorist groups like Hamas. Cohanim also noted Trump’s recent proposal for neighboring Arab countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, to assist in the refugee crisis—an idea she described as “out of the box but crucial for long-term peace.”
The Role of Iran and Future Peace Talks
Looking ahead, Cohanim stressed that Iran remains a key factor in regional stability. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preparing to meet Trump in Washington, discussions are expected to focus on the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran’s influence in the region.
“Trump’s first administration followed a ‘peace through strength’ strategy, and we are seeing a continuation of that now,” she said. “Iran must understand that the U.S. stands firmly with Israel.”
When asked about the broader impact on the Middle East, Cohanim expressed confidence in a stronger regional alliance.
“The Trump administration has built a team that understands the region and speaks its language,” she said, pointing to figures like Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary. “Without a doubt, the U.S., Israel, and our allies will emerge stronger from this.”
Is a Two-State Solution Still Possible?
Asked about the viability of a two-state solution in light of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, Cohanim noted that Trump himself acknowledged the challenges.
“After October 7, the idea of a two-state solution has become significantly harder,” she concluded.
As negotiations continue and the ceasefire holds, the world watches to see whether Trump’s approach will lead to a lasting resolution in the Middle East.