A Handshake That Could Reshape U.S.-Hamas Relations: The Prisoner Swap Turning Point
Hamas proposes an unprecedented condition: a public handshake with a U.S. envoy—potentially from Trump’s team—in a move that could redefine America's stance toward Palestinian resistance.
Watan-In an unprecedented development that could reshape America’s relationship with Palestinian resistance factions, the ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations between Hamas and Israel have reached a critical juncture. The real surprise lies not only in the deal’s terms—but in the hand that may be extended.
International and Arab media sources have revealed an unconventional condition put forward by Hamas in these indirect talks: a public handshake with a U.S. envoy, believed to be a representative from Donald Trump’s circle. Such a moment could be interpreted as an implicit political recognition of Hamas.
The pending deal teeters between breakthrough and breakdown. Israel denies accepting the “Witkoff” initiative, yet leaks from mediation circles suggest Washington is closely monitoring the situation. Crucially, it has not ruled out the symbolic “handshake of recognition,” which could mark a strategic shift in how the White House engages with Palestinian resistance.
🔴هل سيصافح #ترامب “يد حمـ،ـ،ـ،ــاس”؟ صفقة الأسرى على المحك.. ومصافحةٌ واحدة قد تغيّر التاريخ👇 pic.twitter.com/gBanp3A63A
— وطن. يغرد خارج السرب (@watanserb_news) May 29, 2025
Should it occur, this act would be historic—a first for any U.S. administration—and might go down as Trump being the first American president to entertain a new approach to factions Israel labels “terrorist,” but which much of the Arab and Muslim world views as symbols of legitimate resistance.
Having lost faith in Israeli promises after failed previous rounds, Hamas now seeks two guarantees: a written American commitment and a public diplomatic gesture—a handshake before the cameras. In diplomatic terms, this is more than symbolic; it’s an acknowledgment of the other party’s legitimacy.
It’s a moment heavy with political meaning. Will Trump take the risk, enraging Israel and unsettling his pro-Israel lobby base? Or will he let the opportunity slip and watch the deal collapse?
Either way, Gaza remains under fire, and the war rages on. But history may capture a single moment: one hand extended, and another that does not hesitate.
