Speaking in an interview, Graham emphasized that Trump is determined to resolve the war on Gaza, particularly regarding the release of Israelis detained in Gaza, including seven dual American-Israeli citizens.

Graham spoke to Axios after he visited the Middle East for the second time this month. The US news outlet reported that he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The push comes as President Joe Biden's administration continues in its final months to focus on resolving the Israeli war on Gaza with little progress on a clear deal. Israeli officials suggest that Trump may adopt a different approach to Gaza, particularly regarding plans for the "day after" the war.

Graham, who frequently consults with Trump on Middle Eastern foreign policy, confirmed that Trump is eager to broker a deal to end the war and free the captives as soon as possible.

He also suggested that Trump's focus on Gaza would be vital in advancing what he said were broader regional goals, including the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia and building a coalition to counter Iran's influence in the Middle East.

"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. "He wants the killing to stop and the fighting to end."

Graham expressed hope that the outgoing Biden and the incoming Trump administration would work together to secure a deal during the transition period.

Biden and Trump discuss Gaza
 

According to Axios, Biden and Trump discussed the Gaza captive and ceasefire deal during a two-hour Oval Office meeting two weeks ago.

In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that, following the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, the focus should now be on reaching a deal in Gaza.

White House officials told Axios that Biden intends to continue pushing for a deal to release the captives until his last day in office, even if Trump ultimately gets credit for a deal.

Axios added that the issue also came up during a meeting between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Trump's incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and in a conversation between Biden's top Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Graham argued that diplomacy in the region would be easier after Trump's victory. "If you are a bad guy and you are not afraid of Trump, then you are also a dumb guy. Bad and dumb guys don't last long."

Hardliners in Israel and the Gaza question
 

However, hardliners in Netanyahu's government, like Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich, have suggested the possibility of an indefinite Israeli occupation of Gaza, which has drawn opposition from figures like Graham.

Smotrich said earlier this week that with Trump coming in, Israel has an opportunity "to encourage voluntary immigration" that will dramatically decrease the Palestinian population in Gaza.

"I think he should talk to Trump and hear what he wants. If you haven't spoken to him, I wouldn't put words in his mouth," Graham told Axios, adding that any Saudi-Israeli peace deal would have to include a Palestinian component.

"The best insurance policy against Hamas is not an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza but a reform in Palestinian society," Graham argued, asserting that Arab nations, rather than Israel, should lead any reform efforts within Palestinian territories.

Israel has killed over 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza in nearly a 14-month war.

Meanwhile, 101 Israelis are held in Gaza. According to Axios, Israeli intelligence believes roughly half of the captives are still alive.

AFP reported that a Hamas delegation is expected to meet in Cairo on Saturday to discuss Egypt's new proposals for a Gaza ceasefire and captive deal.