- Saudi Arabia Slams Trump: Shura Council member calls his Gaza plan “foolish and one-sided.”
- Global Backlash: Russia, China, and Pakistan reject forced displacement of Palestinians.
- Hamas Retaliates: Hostage releases halted after Trump’s controversial statement.
- OIC Urgent Meeting: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan push for Palestinian state recognition.
Saudi Shura Council member Youssef bin Trad Al-Saadoun recently made a scathing critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East policies, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking in an article published by a local Saudi newspaper, Al-Saadoun dismissed Trump’s approach as “foolish, illogical, and one-sided.” He suggested that if Trump were genuinely committed to peace, he should consider relocating Israelis to Alaska or Greenland rather than displacing Palestinians from their homeland.
Al-Saadoun accused Zionists and their allies of pressuring Saudi Arabia to engage in diplomatic talks with Israel, a stance he firmly opposed. He highlighted historical patterns of what he referred to as “Jewish conspiracies and disturbances” and noted that European nations had expelled Jewish populations in the 13th and 16th centuries. He also compared U.S. foreign policy to historical instances of illegal occupations and the mass displacement of indigenous people.
The Saudi official strongly condemned Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians be relocated to Arab countries, calling it a blatant violation of international law. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Palestinian issue remains unwavering and that the kingdom would continue to support Palestinian sovereignty and independence.
Trump’s Controversial Plan for Gaza
Donald Trump has put forth a controversial strategy concerning Gaza’s future. In a recent statement, he proposed that once the war ends, Israel should hand over Gaza to the United States. According to Trump, this move would facilitate the region’s reconstruction under American oversight, ensuring its transformation into a thriving, modernized territory. He expressed confidence that the U.S. could oversee one of the most significant rebuilding efforts in history, making Gaza an economic and infrastructural success.
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Trump’s plan also includes relocating Palestinian populations to other Arab nations, a move widely criticized by global leaders. He justified his approach by arguing that it would create long-term stability, but many view it as a forced displacement policy that disregards Palestinian sovereignty and rights.
Global Reactions: Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan
The international response to Trump’s policies on Palestine has been overwhelmingly negative. Russia and China have strongly condemned any forced displacement of Palestinians, calling for a just and comprehensive resolution to the conflict based on international law. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounced Trump’s plan as a “colonial approach,” stating that such proposals undermine regional stability.
China has reiterated its longstanding position in support of a two-state solution, urging the U.S. to respect Palestinian sovereignty. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned any unilateral moves that seek to alter the status of Palestinian lands without the consent of the Palestinian people.
Saudi Arabia has maintained its unwavering stance in support of Palestinian independence, rejecting Trump’s suggestions outright. The kingdom has repeatedly called for an end to Israeli aggression and the recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Trump says no right of return for Palestinians under Gaza plan
Pakistan has also voiced its concerns over Trump’s plans. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned any attempts to forcibly relocate Palestinians, emphasizing that the issue must be resolved through dialogue and adherence to international law. Pakistan continues to call for a united stance among Muslim-majority nations to resist any measures that undermine Palestinian rights.
Europe’s History of Expelling Jewish Populations
Historically, Jewish populations faced expulsions from various European countries due to religious and economic tensions. In the 13th century, England expelled its Jewish community in 1290 under the Edict of Expulsion by King Edward I. France followed suit in 1306 and again in 1394. Spain’s infamous expulsion of Jews occurred in 1492 under the Alhambra Decree, forcing thousands to flee to Ottoman territories and North Africa.
During the 16th century, several German principalities, as well as Portugal, enacted similar expulsions. These expulsions were often motivated by economic factors, religious intolerance, and political maneuvering. Al-Saadoun’s reference to these historical events was aimed at drawing parallels between past persecutions and current geopolitical dynamics, suggesting that history should not be repeated through the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Hamas’ Response: Halting the Release of Israeli Hostages
Hamas has reacted furiously to Trump’s proposal to place Gaza under U.S. control, announcing an immediate halt to the release of Israeli hostages in its custody. The militant organization has declared that Trump’s plan is an outright provocation, exacerbating tensions and diminishing the likelihood of a peaceful resolution.
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The halt in hostage releases could have severe consequences for ongoing diplomatic efforts. Mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, had been working to secure prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, but this new development may stall negotiations indefinitely. The refusal to release hostages further escalates the crisis, making peace talks even more challenging.
OIC Meeting on the Future of Gaza
In response to Trump’s controversial stance, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have called for an urgent meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The summit aims to discuss Gaza’s future and emphasize the need for an independent Palestinian state.
Both countries argue that the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders. Saudi Arabia’s leadership has reiterated that no external force should dictate Palestine’s future, and the OIC meeting is expected to produce a collective strategy to counter Trump’s proposals.
Conclusion: The UN Must Take Bold Action
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires immediate and decisive intervention from the international community. The United Nations must take bold steps to ensure peace and stability in the region. The forced evacuation of Palestinians from their homeland is not a solution—it is a violation of human rights and international law.
Rather than supporting displacement strategies, the global community should focus on facilitating dialogue, ensuring humanitarian aid, and upholding the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. A sustainable peace agreement can only be achieved through mutual respect, negotiation, and adherence to international legal frameworks. The world cannot afford to ignore the plight of the Palestinian people, and any future peace plan must prioritize their rights, security, and sovereignty.