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OPINION:
Last week’s Hamas-Israel hostage deal revealed a glaring and uncomfortable reality – the United States, albeit indirectly, became entangled with a murderous jihadi group. Securing the release of hostages is a commendable and necessary humanitarian effort, but we must draw a clear line between temporary measures and setting a dangerous precedent. The Trump administration must resist the temptation of direct talks with Hamas, no matter how appealing it may seem amid claims of “cooperation” or regional diplomacy. Negotiating with terrorists is not the hallmark of deterrence, and the U.S. cannot afford to forget that.
The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, relied overwhelmingly on deterrence, not diplomacy. It worked because Hamas understood the serious consequences of finding out what President Trump’s “all hell to pay” ultimatum was all about.
Deterrence begins and ends with the leadership of the United States — it starts when our enemies know they’d better not take a single hostage, fire a single shot, or commit an act that risks American wrath. This is the backbone of American foreign policy and is what the American people expect from the Trump administration. Coming in on the one-yard line to broker a hostage deal is one thing, but actively pursuing diplomacy with an internationally recognized terrorist group sends the wrong message entirely.
While Qatar’s involvement in brokering the current deal has been praised in some circles, it is vital to recognize Qatar’s duplicitous nature. Qatar acts as both broker and benefactor to Hamas, making its intentions far from clear. Doha’s continued support for Hamas and other jihadi groups undermines the peace and stability of the region. Relying on Qatar to mediate is akin to inviting the fox into the henhouse. The U.S. must acknowledge Qatar’s role as a two-faced opportunist while demanding accountability for its long-standing support of terrorism.
Despite public statements by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed praising the U.S. for its involvement, the reality is clear — Qatar’s engagement with Hamas was driven by its own ambition to gain political clout. This is not a sign of newfound leadership or trustworthiness. To lean on Qatar as a central diplomatic force while glossing over its funding of Hamas is not just naive; it’s negligent to the principles of American security and morality.
Steve Witkoff’s statement on Fox News, calling it “good” that Hamas is allegedly prepared for dialogue with the U.S., only adds to the growing concern. Dialogue with Hamas legitimizes a group that openly calls for the destruction of Israel and has a history of targeting civilians. Terrorist organizations exploit every gesture, turning the slightest sign of legitimacy into a propaganda tool. Agreeing to direct talks would represent not strength, but surrender. And for our ally Israel, it would mean many more October 7ths to come.
It is vital to note that Hamas functions as the Iran regime’s proxy. Engagement with Hamas indirectly strengthens Tehran’s influence, and by extension, the web of terror that includes Hezbollah and the Houthis. The same holds true for appeasement towards regimes like the Islamic Republic in Iran, which opportunistically prey on perceived weaknesses in U.S. foreign policy.
Deterrence under the Trump administration cannot — and must not — be compromised. True deterrence is not forged at the negotiating table with terrorist groups and their enablers. It is established through decisive action, clear boundaries, and unwavering consequences. The Abraham Accords proved that the region is capable of monumental progress without succumbing to terrorists’ demands or tolerating their enablers. The Trump administration made great strides with the Abraham Accords by focusing on constructive partnerships, not concessions to rogue states or militant groups.
The Trump administration has a choice to make. It can stand firm on the principles of deterrence, ensuring that the enemies of freedom understand that hostage-taking and terrorism will never be rewarded. Or it can erode its foreign policy legacy by wading into direct talks with Hamas and allowing Qatar to rise as an unchallenged regional broker, despite its ties to terror.
The American people want leadership that prioritizes national security and moral clarity. They expect the White House to project strength, sending a clear message to allies and adversaries alike that hostage-taking and terror have no place in an ordered world. This isn’t just about Hamas; it’s about reaffirming a guiding principle in American foreign policy — the refusal to legitimize terror.
President Trump must stay the course on deterrence, hold back the tide of appeasement, and confront two-faced players like Qatar directly. The world is watching. Now is the time to stand firm, not to falter.
Lisa Daftari is an investigative journalist and foreign policy analyst focusing on the Middle East and counterterrorism. She is the founding editor at The Foreign Desk.
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