Fragile nature of Trump's 'victory'

DONALD Trump is clearly eager to claim credit for a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and one can hardly blame him.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

After all, the former reality TV star has long cast himself as the ultimate dealmaker, and the prospect of welcoming freed hostages after two years of captivity is tailor-made for the kind of self-aggrandising spectacle he thrives on.

On Wednesday, he made it clear he was ready to fly to Israel and Egypt to preside over a ceasefire, presenting himself as the architect of peace.

But the realities on the ground are far more complex than any photo opportunity.

Middle East conflicts rarely bend to the whims of a single figure, no matter how confident.