US President Donald Trump does not mince his words. On Wednesday the White House’s controversial occupant threatened further destruction of the Gaza Strip if remaining Israeli hostages are not released by Hamas. Trump also issued an ultimatum to the leadership of the militant group (Hamas) to flee. The President strongly backed Israel as a ceasefire draws to a close, stating he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job” as his government expedites billions of dollars in weapons. Trump’s exact words to Hamas were “Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
Trump personally wrote and released the statement on his Truth Social Platform after having met with freed hostages. He had done this meeting for show.
Trump also made clear there would be repercussions for Gaza as a whole, where virtually the entire population has been displaced by Israel’s relentless military campaign in response to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!” His comments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning of “consequences that you cannot imagine” if Hamas does not hand over remaining hostages seized in the October 7 attack. The first phase of a ceasefire ended over the weekend after six weeks of relative calm that included exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. While Israel has said it wants to extend the first phase until mid-April, Hamas has insisted on a transition to the second phase, which should lead to a permanent end to the war.
The threats by Trump shows he has had no interest in being diplomatic or consider Hamas’ request. The militant group however imperfect their methods, however twisted their aims should at least be given a chance to explain themselves. But this is unlikely with Trump in the Oval Office. His fawning over Israeli Prime Minster Benyamin Netanyahu shows his main concern is not only to dismantle the Gaza strip and displace the Palestinians living there but to re-colonize the territory. Trump wants the territory to be handed over to American governance or rather his personal governance. The US President wants to do this swiftly and with out delay. The remaining hostages in Hamas’ custody are therefore bargaining chips. A means to ensuring they are on an equal footing with the Israeli regime. Neither the militant group nor the people of Gaza want to receive the short end of the stick.
Trump has also rejected a plan to rebuild Gaza that was proposed by the Arab League – without displacing the Palestinians – although this too has its flaws.
In a statement on Tuesday night, White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said, “The current proposal does not address the reality that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and residents cannot humanely live in a territory covered in debris and unexploded ordnance.” “President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas. We look forward to further talks to bring peace and prosperity to the region.” The postwar plan for Gaza, proposed by Egypt, calls for Hamas to cede power to an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) can assume control. The Egypt’s postwar plan for Gaza would allow roughly 2 million Palestinians to remain there in contrast to a proposal presented by Trump, CNN reported.
Speaking in Cairo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that elections will be held in the West Bank, Gaza and occupied East Jerusalem for the first time in nearly 20 years “if circumstances are suitable.”
Whereas the Arab League plan is not with out its apparent hindrances it does offer a better chance of the Palestinians living in the strip of having some autonomy under the Palestinian Authority (PA). Trump and his administration are unlikely to give consent or compromise with the proposal being presented. Least of all because the plan presented by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi does not have the support of all Arab League member states, particularly Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This sends a message to Washington that the League in Cairo, Egypt did not act as a united front. The plan has also yet to explain construction in the territory will commence with the two million Palestinians living there.
Another issue that should concern everyone as regard the future of an independent Palestinian state is the longevity of PA President Mahmoud Abbas. At eighty-nine years old, he should have a young and firm successor. But this does not seem to be discussed as regards the debate of Palestine’s future. Even legislature elections are now a pipe dream. We will have to wait and see how the Palestinians respond.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
