Trump 2.0: Middle East under new shockwave
Staff Reporter :
Since Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, the Middle East has once again begun descending into turmoil, fuelled by the longstanding demand for Palestinian sovereignty and the imposition of new sanctions on Iran by the US administration.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, reached after 15 months of war, brought renewed hope for Palestinians, who are now returning to their devastated homes.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial statement has sent shockwaves across the region, suggesting the eradication of the Palestinian people.
“The Saudis can create a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have a lot of land over there,” Netanyahu remarked on Thursday during an interview with Israeli Channel 14, disregarding the longstanding Palestinian demands for self-determination.
When asked during the interview whether a Palestinian state was necessary for normalisation with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu rejected the notion outright, framing it as a “security threat to Israel.”
He further elaborated, saying: “Especially not a Palestinian state. After 7 October? Do you know what that is? There was a Palestinian state-it was called Gaza. Gaza, led by Hamas, was a Palestinian state, and look what we got.”
Netanyahu also expressed optimism about potential normalisation with Saudi Arabia, predicting an imminent agreement. “I think peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible; I think it’s going to happen,” he said.
However, the Saudi Foreign Ministry has rejected Netanyahu’s narrative, reiterating that normalisation with Israel is not possible unless a Palestinian state is established – an outcome that Netanyahu continues to dismiss.
For Palestinians, Netanyahu’s remarks are not only an affront to their national identity but also a direct threat to their right to self-determination.
Netanyahu’s comments followed recent statements by Trump, who proposed that the United States would take control of Gaza.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump declared, “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.” He added that this would involve resettling Palestinians, claiming that no US soldiers would be required for the process.
Trump’s comments have sparked strong opposition from Middle Eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry unequivocally rejected any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land, affirming that its position on the Palestinian cause is non-negotiable.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the kingdom’s stance in “a clear and explicit manner,” leaving no room for misinterpretation under any circumstances, according to the ministry’s statement.
The United States has spent months pursuing diplomatic efforts to persuade Saudi Arabia-one of the most powerful and influential Arab states-to normalise ties with Israel and formally recognise the country.
However, the devastating Gaza war, which began in October 2023, has led Riyadh to shelve the matter amidst widespread Arab anger over Israel’s military actions.
Trump has encouraged Saudi Arabia to follow the example of countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which normalised relations with Israel by signing the so-called Abraham Accords in 2020.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on Iran is targeting the country’s oil exports, banking sector, and key industries, aiming to cripple its economy and limit its influence in the region.