Ceasefire: A Temporary Solution or Lasting Peace

The Middle East: A Persistent Epicentre of Global Politics
The Middle East has long been a sensitive focal point in global politics, with the Israel-Palestine conflict at its heart. Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for the establishment of a Palestinian state within Saudi Arabia and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of placing Gaza under American trusteeship have sparked new diplomatic and political debates across the region. Egypt and Jordan have reacted strongly to these statements, condemning them as threats to regional stability. Against the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire negotiations and hostage releases in Gaza, it remains to be seen whether these developments signify progress towards lasting peace or merely a temporary reprieve.

Since assuming power, Trump—dubbed by some as the ‘new Pharaoh of the White House’—has stirred global unrest and confusion with his various statements, even putting NATO, a long-standing U.S. ally, in a precarious position. Before the dust could settle, Trump proposed a controversial plan regarding Palestine, suggesting that Gaza be placed under U.S. control to create a “neutral zone” aimed at fostering peace in the region. The European Union has outright rejected this proposal, and Trump’s recent remarks have further strained relations between NATO and the United States. The suggestion has been seen as highly provocative by Palestinians and the broader Arab world, representing not only an assault on Palestinian sovereignty but also a new form of American interventionism. Statements about taking control of Gaza and displacing its residents have been viewed as a blueprint for renewed chaos and destruction.

Last week, Trump met with Netanyahu in Washington, lavishing him with praise. Buoyed by Trump’s support, Netanyahu suggested in an interview with Channel 14—also published by The Jerusalem Post—that Saudi Arabia possesses sufficient land to accommodate a Palestinian state within its borders. This immediately drew sharp responses from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan.

When questioned about Saudi Arabia’s firm stance—that relations with Israel cannot be normalised until a Palestinian state is established—Netanyahu insisted he would never agree to any deal that might jeopardise Israel’s security. It is worth noting that, according to UN Security Council resolutions, the territories occupied by Israel during the 1967 war are considered occupied lands.

Reacting to Trump’s statements, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected any attempt to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, reaffirming its unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty. Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it will not engage in normalising relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is established. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s position is ‘clear and unequivocal,’ leaving no room for alternative interpretations under any circumstances.

On Saturday, Trump unveiled a plan to ‘cleanse’ Gaza, proposing that Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, accept more Palestinian refugees to restore peace to the war-torn areas. Describing Gaza as a ‘devastated region,’ Trump told reporters, “We’re talking about relocating 1.5 million people to stabilise the entire region.” He suggested this could be a temporary or long-term measure.

Both Egypt and Jordan—nations that have signed peace agreements with Israel—have
dismissed Netanyahu’s recent statements, rendering these treaties seemingly redundant. Egypt has denounced the proposals from Netanyahu and Trump as violations of diplomatic norms. Jordan, whose population includes a significant number of Palestinian descendants, has described these remarks as likely to inflame regional tensions. Both nations argue that these proposals not only insult the rights of the Palestinian people but could also exacerbate the current instability in the region.

Bassem Naim, head of Hamas’ Foreign Relations Department, rejected Trump’s proposal, stating that they would not accept any such plan under the guise of reconstruction. He highlighted that the people of Gaza have endured fifteen months of death and destruction solely for the sake of their land. With resilience and resistance, this plan will fail just as many before it have. The proposal undermines Palestinian rights and existence while perpetuating war crimes and crimes against humanity. Naim asserted that the people of Gaza are capable of rebuilding their region—provided the blockade is lifted. It is important to note that during the 15-month conflict, most residents of Gaza were forced to flee, and much of the infrastructure has been destroyed.

Jordan and Egypt have firmly rejected these proposals. It remains unclear whether the U.S. President has formally approached Egypt regarding this plan. However, a statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally dismissed any such action, whether achieved through negotiations, territorial occupation, forced displacement, or relocation of Palestinians—be it temporary or permanent. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, stating that the Kingdom remains ‘steadfast and unwavering’ in its opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.

On Sunday, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks, labelling his suggestion of establishing a Palestinian state within Saudi Arabia as an aggressive demand. The Jordanian ministry stated that such comments are a blatant violation of United Nations resolutions and international law. These provocative statements reflect an external, inflammatory ideology that threatens peace and could push the region further into tension.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Sufyan Al-Qudah, declared Jordan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and urged the international community to denounce these irresponsible statements.

Previously, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had similarly condemned the Israeli suggestions regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi soil, calling them reckless and contrary to established diplomatic principles. It’s worth noting that both Jordan and Egypt have signed peace agreements with Israel.

Some analysts view Netanyahu’s comments as the beginning of Israel’s “Greater Israel” project, aimed at expanding Israeli borders while curtailing Palestinian rights. Covert support from the United States and other allied nations could aid Israel in advancing this agenda. Statements from Trump and American backing further reinforce the likelihood that Israel is seeking to establish its dominance in the region. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, from the occupied West Bank, has strongly denounced and rejected any plan that forces Gaza’s residents to relocate.

The United Nations has previously estimated that 60% of buildings across Gaza are either completely destroyed or severely damaged, with reconstruction potentially taking decades. When displaced people in the western city of Khan Yunis were asked about Trump’s statements, they responded, “We will decide our own destiny and determine what we want. This land is ours and has belonged to our ancestors throughout history. We will never leave it—unless we are carried out of here dead.”

Meanwhile, Trump announced that Israel is currently receiving the “large quantities of goods” it had requested from the US. When asked whether his administration would release a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, he confirmed, “Israel requested many things and paid for them, but former President Joe Biden didn’t send them. Now, these items are being delivered.” Last year, Biden’s Democratic administration had suspended the supply of these bombs to Israel as the Israeli military planned a major offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza. This area had become a refuge for 1.4 million Palestinians displaced by bombing and warfare. Biden had warned that using such bombs in densely populated areas could lead to a “major humanitarian catastrophe.”

In an article published by Axios, Israeli national security journalist Barak Ravid wrote that Trump had ordered the Pentagon to lift the ban on sending the 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. These large, air-dropped bombs are highly destructive and are typically used to inflict widespread damage on military installations, command centres, and infrastructure targets. During his first presidential term, Trump often boasted that Israel had “never had a better friend in the White House.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has echoed similar sentiments about Trump.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip entered its second week on Sunday. Four Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released, along with approximately 200 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. However, efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement have faced new obstacles. Israel objected to the return of thousands of Palestinians to the devastated northern Gaza, citing disputes over the release of hostage Erbil Yehud.

Israel made the release of this hostage a condition for reopening the corridor between southern and northern Gaza, insisting that, according to the ceasefire agreement, civilian hostages should be freed first—a condition Hamas had failed to meet. Israel demanded proof from mediators that Yehud was alive, and by Saturday evening, the Egyptians reportedly provided such evidence. Hamas sources confirmed that Yehud is alive and in good health and will be released next week.

Saturday evening witnessed chaotic scenes as Palestinians, hopeful of returning to their homes in the north after the hostage releases, discovered that this was not possible. Israeli forces had blocked the main corridor heading north and were not allowing anyone to pass. Qatari and Egyptian mediators, facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas, were working to secure permission for the return of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the north, and there has been some progress in this regard.

Meanwhile, many residents of Gaza anxiously awaited news that they could return to their ancestral homes. For many, the hope of return surpasses the grim reality that awaits them—ruins and widespread destruction. Yet, the dream of reclaiming their lives, rebuilding their homes, and reuniting with their families keeps their spirits alive.

The pressing question remains whether this ceasefire will pave the way for lasting peace or merely serve as a temporary fix. Historical experiences suggest that ceasefires often prove to be short-lived unless both sides commit to serious, concrete measures. Following Trump’s proposal, there is an increased risk that international intervention might further complicate local issues. The situation in Gaza could ripple across countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, where Iranian-backed groups continue to be active. Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Syrian regime, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen maintain strong ties with Iran, and they could influence the balance of power in the region at any moment.

It’s worth noting that Israel’s recent military operations, Netanyahu’s rhetoric, and Trump’s involvement may heighten pressure on these Iranian-backed factions. However, this could also prompt them to adopt more aggressive strategies, escalating tensions throughout the region.
Netanyahu and Trump’s proposals, coupled with the latest ceasefire, point towards a new diplomatic and military turning point in the Middle East. The strong reactions from countries like Egypt and Jordan reflect a waning acceptance of Israel and America’s unilateral policies in the region. The European Union’s opposition to Trump’s proposals and the strained relations between the US and NATO further highlight the global community’s rejection of these policies. The long-term impact of the Gaza ceasefire will hinge on the seriousness of both parties and the actions of the international community. Given the Iranian connections in Hezbollah, Syria, and Yemen, diplomatic efforts to maintain the balance of power in the region are crucial. Achieving sustainable peace in the Middle East demands a balanced, transparent, and just resolution.

It’s worth recalling the words of a Chinese author who once remarked that “world peace lies in the downfall of America.” But the question remains: can global peace be achieved during Trump’s tenure? It’s important to remember that the forces pulling America’s strings thrive on the sale of weapons during wars and the profits of pharmaceutical companies treating those wounded in conflict.

Alfred McCoy, a history professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, predicted in an extensive interview on November 16, 2021, regarding US-China relations, that as China’s power grows, the American empire is crumbling. According to him, President Joe Biden’s virtual summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping took place just days after both nations announced they would cooperate on tackling the climate emergency, following Xi’s absence from the UN Climate Summit in Glasgow. Tensions between the two superpowers, particularly over Taiwan and Hong Kong, continue to rise, with some speculating that a new Cold War may be on the horizon. “In the near future, America faces the prospect of a war over Taiwan… one it may well lose. China is also working to break America’s geopolitical hold over the Eurasian landmass.”

Professor Alfred McCoy is a renowned historian, and his latest book, To Govern the Globe: World Orders and Catastrophic Change, contains many more startling revelations.