Former President Donald Trump stated Hamas assisted in locating Israel's last known hostage, while demanding the group surrender weapons as part of any ceasefire deal.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in exclusive comments that Hamas operatives played a direct role in locating Ran Gvili, the last known Israeli hostage held in Gaza. This revelation comes amid intensifying negotiations for a permanent ceasefire agreement in the region. Trump emphasized that Hamas must now surrender its arsenal as a non-negotiable condition for any lasting peace settlement.
The acknowledgment marks a rare instance where a Western leader has credited the designated terrorist organization with constructive action. According to Trump's statement, Hamas fighters actively participated in search operations leading to Gvili's recovery on January 7th, as documented in 
imagery from the scene. This cooperation occurred despite Hamas's continued rocket attacks against Israeli civilian targets throughout the same period.
Market analysts highlight significant implications for defense contractors and regional stability investments. Shares of major Israeli defense firms like Elbit Systems (ESLT) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showed muted reactions, suggesting investors had priced in prolonged conflict scenarios. Conversely, Middle East-focused infrastructure funds rose 2.3% on average following Trump's comments, signaling optimism about potential de-escalation.
Geopolitical risk assessments now factor in Trump's influence as he positions himself for potential reelection. His direct channel to regional actors bypasses traditional diplomatic protocols, creating both volatility and negotiation opportunities. Security experts warn that Hamas's disarmament would require unprecedented verification mechanisms, likely involving U.S.-backed surveillance technologies and AI-powered weapon tracking systems currently under development by firms like Palantir (PLTR).
The demand aligns with Israel's long-standing position that sustainable peace requires demilitarization of Gaza. However, Hamas's political wing has historically treated its armed brigades as non-negotiable leverage. Trump's assertion places pressure on Qatar and Egypt—key ceasefire mediators—to devise arms control frameworks that could reshape security dynamics across the Eastern Mediterranean energy corridor.
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