Huckabee Europe Gave Hamas Cover, Ended Peace Talks

As speculation grows around a potential deal between Israel and Hamas involving the release of ten Israeli hostages, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has made it clear where the Trump administration stands: there can be no freedom for hostages without the complete dismantling of Hamas.

In a sharply worded statement during a private sit-down in Jerusalem, Huckabee echoed President Donald Trump’s recent remarks, calling the president’s stance “spot on” and “firm.” Trump had posted on his social media platform: “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!” It’s a statement that not only defines America’s position, but highlights the stark difference in global attitudes toward the terrorist organization.

Huckabee did not hold back in criticizing European leaders, accusing them of emboldening Hamas at a critical juncture in the war. “When you have all these European nations saying, ‘Israel’s not going to have a ceasefire, we’re going to go ahead and unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state,’ what do you think that did with Hamas? It empowered them. That’s when negotiations were over,” he said.

Such declarations, according to the ambassador, effectively reward Hamas for its October 7 atrocities and send a message that terrorism yields political gains. Huckabee contrasted this with the position taken by the Arab League, which recently and unanimously demanded that Hamas disarm and release all hostages. This, he argued, was the type of clear and responsible stance the international community should adopt.

The ambassador also shed light on the dire condition of the hostages still held in Gaza. He referenced the haunting imagery of an emaciated hostage forced to dig his own grave. “It’s gut-wrenching,” he said. “After 22 months in captivity, it’s a long, long time.”

While expressing openness to any deal that would bring hostages home safely, Huckabee remained skeptical about Hamas’s willingness to operate in good faith. “They’re not a nation-state. They’re a terror organization,” he emphasized. “Any expectation that they’re going to behave like civilized people is quite optimistic.”

Amid reports of Hamas re-engaging through Qatari and Egyptian channels in Cairo, Huckabee acknowledged Egypt’s efforts, describing the country as having played an “instrumental” role in moving negotiations forward. Qatar’s involvement, he noted, appeared less impactful despite its claims of active mediation.

The ambassador also addressed the domestic climate in Israel, pointing out a powerful truth that often goes unrecognized abroad. “We respect that people in a free country can express themselves,” he said, referencing recent protests. “In Israel, you have a right to protest, and nobody comes to your home and shoots you for having protested the government.”

This freedom of expression, he said, is something rare in the region and something to be admired. “How many places in this part of the world could you be that adamantly opposed to your own government and live to see a sunrise tomorrow?” he asked.

Israel continues to stand firm, not just in the battle against Hamas but in upholding values of democracy, freedom, and life. It is precisely this combination of strength and liberty that makes Israel so unique in the region and so worthy of unwavering support.

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