Trump's victory is likely to prolong uncertainty in the Gaza talks

Even Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, appeared to be keeping its options open about how Mr. Trump would behave once he was in power. “Our attitude towards the new American government will depend on its positions and practical policies towards the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” Hamas said in a statement on Wednesday.

People interviewed in Gaza on Thursday were divided over whether they believed Mr. Trump would be willing or able to help Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire agreement.

“I think Trump will focus on economic growth and strategic deals with Arab countries,” said Muhanned al-Farra, 38, who owned a car repair shop in Rafah, southern Gaza, before fleeing with his family to Khan Younis. “I hope his election will bring positive change.”

Others were more doubtful. Mohammed al-Amassi, 28, who fled his home in Gaza City to Deir al Balah at the start of the war, said he thought the election result meant “undoubtedly dark times for us.”

He pointed to Trump's past support for Israel and said he feared that in a new term he would “go even further in Israel's direction without thinking about the hopes or dreams of Palestinians in Gaza or the West Bank.”

Mr. Trump's election appeared to immediately ease pressure on Mr. Netanyahu — at least for now — to reach a ceasefire in Gaza under terms supported by President Biden and regional mediators.

Mr. Netanyahu has for months resisted efforts by Biden administration officials to agree to the proposed ceasefire, refusing to clearly commit to a permanent end to the war and establishing continued Israeli control over Gaza's border with Egypt. Hamas has rejected both positions.

With Mr. Biden now officially a lame-duck leader, these attempts are likely to fail, according to Mr. Stephens.

“I don’t see how the Biden administration could have the power to make this work, and I’m not sure the Israelis — or at least Netanyahu — are that interested in pushing it forward,” he said.