Sen. Graham says Trump would like a ceasefire deal in Gaza before he gets in the Oval Office

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said that President-elect Donald Trump wants a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel before he gets back in the White House.

"Trump is more determined than ever to release the hostages and supports a ceasefire that includes a hostage deal. He wants to see it happening now," Graham said during an exclusive interview with Axios. 

Graham stated that Trump wants the war and the fighting to stop. 

"I hope President Trump and the Biden administration will work together during the transition period to release the hostages and get a ceasefire," Graham said. 

The ongoing war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel started Oct. 7 in 2023 when the terrorist group launched a surprise attack on the Jewish state, resulting in 1,200 people being killed.

Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, seven of whom are Americans, though Israeli intelligence officials think that only about half are still alive, according to the Washington Examiner. 

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 44,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war though they don't distinguish between Hamas terrorists and civilians. 

Graham said that he thinks a ceasefire deal will likely occur quicker since Trump won the election.

During their White House visit earlier this month, Trump and President Joe Biden discussed the importance of getting a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, though the terms of such an agreement remain problematic.