2024 US election results: How Trump's victory will affect wars in Gaza & Ukraine?

Donald Trump returns to the US presidency at a time of unprecedented conflict and uncertainty across the Middle East.

Donald Trump registered a historic comeback on Wednesday by winning the US presidency for a second term defeating his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in a tough battle. The Republican leader returns to the presidency at a time of unprecedented conflict and uncertainty across the Middle East.

The 78-year-old leader, who surpassed the 270 majority mark required to clinch the presidency after winning the crucial swing state of Wisconsin, has promised to bring lasting peace to the tumultuous Middle East throughout his campaign.

What does Trump's victory mean for the world and how will it affect the several wars raging across the globe?

1. Israel-Gaza war

Trump has often condemned Hamas for the October 7, 2023 assault on villages and army outposts in Israel which resulted in the death of over 1,100 people. He has, however, not expressed sympathy for Gazans. During a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu in July, Trump urged the Israeli PM to 'get his victory' over Hamas.

He has repeatedly said that if he had been in power instead of Joe Biden, Hamas would not have attacked Israel.

During Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington, Kamala Harris clearly conveyed to him that she was unhappy with the number of civilians being killed by Israel in Gaza. However, Trump has made clear on several occasions that Israel should be allowed to 'finish the job' and destroy Hamas without mentioning how.

"Trump's second term could embolden Israel's efforts to move even more aggressively forward without any restraint," Brian Katulis, senior fellow for US foreign policy at the Middle East Institute, told The Washington Post.

Under Biden, the United States has been critical at times and slowed some weapons deliveries in response to Israel's conduct in Gaza.

2. Russia-Ukraine war

In May 2023, the former US president declared on CNN that he could end the Ukraine war 'in 24 hours'. "They're dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I'll have that done — I'll have that done in 24 hours," Trump said.

Even while campaigning, Donald Trump repeatedly said he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine 'in a day'. He suggested overseeing a deal, but did not give any specifics. According to a report in Al Jazeera, Trump's incoming Vice President JD Vance said in an interview that Trump would negotiate a demilitarised zone according to current demarcation lines. "That would mean Ukraine cedes control of Russian-occupied Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia, as well as the previously occupied Crimea, something the Ukrainians don't want".

According to analysts, a Trump presidency would be disastrous for Ukraine. Both Trump and Vance have expressed deep skepticism over US aid to Ukraine. "Every time Zelenskyy comes to this country, he walks away with $60 billion ... he's the greatest salesman ever," Trump said at an event in September.

Trump has also expressed doubt that Ukraine could win the war. He, in fact, praised Russia's military capabilities and said, "They beat Hitler, they beat Napoleon — that's what they do, they fight".