Leadnaija
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza, calling it a “remarkable” idea that “should be really pursued, examined and done.” However, the plan has sparked widespread opposition, particularly among Palestinians who have made it clear that they have no intention of leaving their homeland. “We will never leave, no matter what,” declared residents of Gaza, firmly rejecting any attempt to force them out.
According to a report by AL Jazeera, Meanwhile, the situation in the occupied West Bank remains dire. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that three Palestinians were injured after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers at the Hamra checkpoint in the northern Jordan Valley. Additionally, a report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlighted the ongoing crisis in the region’s healthcare system.
The organization described the situation as a “state of perpetual emergency” since October 2023, blaming prolonged Israeli military operations and severe movement restrictions for worsening conditions. The report further noted that Israeli forces and settlers had repeatedly interfered with emergency medical services, making it even harder for Palestinians to access urgent healthcare.
Since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, at least 884 Palestinians, including many fighters, have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops and settlers, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The violence and restrictions have made daily life even more difficult for the local population.
Trump’s plan for Gaza has also drawn strong condemnation from international leaders. Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that the United States was on the verge of triggering “the worst war” based on the misguided “belief that they are God’s chosen people.” He added, “God’s people are not white Americans or Israelis. God’s people are all of humanity.” Similarly, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed doubt about whether the U.S. was the right nation to lead any efforts in Gaza, saying, “What happened in Gaza was genocide. Honestly, I don’t know if the United States, which is part of all this, is the right country to oversee Gaza.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also raised concerns about Trump’s plan, warning that the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza would be a clear violation of international law. He stated that any attempt to remove Palestinians from their land would amount to ethnic cleansing.
While Trump’s proposal has faced widespread global backlash, a recent poll in Israel showed that 72% of respondents supported the idea of relocating Palestinians from Gaza. Another poll conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute found that approximately seven in ten Israelis agreed that Palestinians in Gaza should be moved to another country. Additionally, 52% of Jewish Israelis surveyed believed that Trump’s plan was “practical” and should be implemented.
In response to the growing criticism, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to soften the plan’s message, stating that Trump was merely offering assistance in clearing debris and helping with reconstruction efforts. He explained, “What he very generously has offered is the ability of the United States to go in and help with debris removal, help with munitions removal, help with reconstruction, the rebuilding homes and businesses and things of this nature so that then people can move back in.”
However, Democratic Congressman Al Green strongly opposed Trump’s plan and announced his intention to introduce articles of impeachment against the president. “Ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not a joke, especially when it emanates from the president of the United States, the most powerful person in the world,” Green said. “I rise to announce that I will bring articles of impeachment against the president for dastardly deeds proposed and dastardly deeds done.”
As the controversy continues, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with top U.S. officials in Washington, including Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson. The Israeli prime minister is also expected to hold discussions with American Evangelical leaders, including Trump’s pick for Israel envoy, Mike Huckabee.Read more>>
