Gaza

Today’s ’Haaretz’ reports that Israeli police arrested two lovely people I know and care about. I used to spend much of my free time in this shop when I lived in Jerusalem. It is owned by Arab Palestinians but good customers have always included israeli Jews and Palestinians, along with many oversees visitors and well known british journalists. Rarely would this sort of thing make the news, but the raid and arrest was also reported by the BBC, probably because BBC journalists stay nearby and rely on this shop. Sadly, these sort of raids but worse are happening all over the West Bank, but the Gaza situation deflects attention. I don’t care about sides, I care about human rights abuses. 

To be honest I think the only ones backing Trumps plan will be the Israelis, or the current government anyway

Saudi Arabia will be backing Palestine and Jordon behind the scenes during this meeting and Saudi has already issued some strong statements about Trump’s plan. 

Trump is meeting with the King of Jordan today and has already said that he will stop all US aid to both Jordan and Egypt if they don't take Palestinians, the King of Jordan has said that he's in talks with Egypt. 

I hope they both say no, I believe that the only solution is a two state one, where Palestinians get thier own state alongside Israel.

This article written by an Israeli peace lover in today’s ‘Haaretz’ is worth a read. People from think tanks like these rarely get a mention in British newspapers, yet here an Israeli newspaper gives this writer a voice.

TheCatWoman said:

Does Trump's America actually have any friends internationally now,

Just Israel and countries who desperately want to get access to their hige internal market. So mostly sycophants.

Just like I said in my OP, now the ceasefire has broken down too, both sides are blaming the other for breaches, I just thought 'surprise surprise' as I don't really think either side negotiated in good faith.

Yes it is chilling that he's so comfortable with it, but then I don't think he really see's others as people, only a small and select group around qualify as humans and only if they keep molifying him.

But with his rafts of executive orders, each seemingly more outrageous than the last and with Musk cutting out whole sections of government, illegally too, I can see a situation where the rest of the world sort of cuts America out of any deals or agreements as they will see any deal done by Trump as being made in bad faith. I think he's more likely to push the rest of the world towards China and maybe Russia.

Does Trump's America actually have any friends internationally now, he seems to have alienated much of the rest of the world, I think the only friend left is Israel?

I see Trump has now confirmed that this will be ethnic cleansing as the Palestinians will not be allowed back after he deports them to their new homes:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn57neepx4vo

US President Donald Trump has said the two million Palestinians who would be resettled in neighbouring countries under his plan to take over and rebuild the Gaza Strip would have no right of return.

"No, they wouldn't, because they're going to have much better housing," he told Fox News. "I'm talking about building a permanent place for them."

It is chilling that he is so comfortably blatant about this.

Did I miss something? I've been impressed by how polite and tactful people have been with any disagreements in this thread. What's the problem?

OK, I think I might now understand that you are wanting me and others to take part in a different discussion to that of your original question? I might be wrong and am at a loss as to how you want us to respond. I answered your question by saying, in different words, that Trump’s words on moving the Palestinians out of Gaza would not happen. There is no point in going over how awful it would be if it is not going to happen.  Currently, the situation of the Palestinian people is so unimaginably ghastly that I don’t have the adequate words to describe the reality. The number of those killed is difficult to determine precisely because the Israelis don’t allow foreign journalists and entry. Most of those killed have been women and children and  the number could be anything from around 48,000 upwards. Over 110,000 have been injured. Homes, all hospitals and infrastructure have been destroyed. Their last bone surgeon in Gaza was killed weeks ago. 

Dear members of the Community,

I would like to remind you of Rule 7: Be respectful in discussions, when discussing these topics. Disagreements are fine, but personal attacks and insults are not. Swearing is not allowed. Please respect other viewpoints and avoid taking sides in arguments. Comments can be misinterpreted, and posts may come from users who are anxious or distressed. If something upsets you, take a break before responding. 

Many thanks,

ChloeMod

Mongol control in Palestine was very short-lived, a couple of years at most, After Ain Jalut (1260) the Mamluks took Damascus and over the next few decades the remaining Crusader presence was whittled away. It was from the Mamluks that the Ottomans took control of Syria and Palestine.

Iain said:

Best not to get too into this or it brings out the trolls

Yes, it is a contentious situation, feelings are high and it is possibly the most complex political situation in the world.

Autismman said:

How do I stop getting notifications for this post? 

Click on the button on the right of the screen called "Turn Reply Notifications Off"

ArchaeC said:

Afraid to be called Islamophobic or antisemitic

There has been a very effective effort in the last few decades to weaponise any anti-Jewish sentiment (whether by prejudice or by pointng out their bad actions) to the point where there are laws preventing you from criticising them at all.

Kind of crazy when no other religion is afforded the same protection.

Best not to get too into this or it brings out the trolls.

How do I stop getting notifications for this post? 

I was actually thinking about contributers to this thread!

Yes, few people are engaged in this and perhaps these are some of the reasons why.

1. Some people aren’t particularly engaged in world affairs.

2. Afraid to be called Islamophobic or antisemitic. These terms have  been used as a ‘Trump’ card (pun not intended) directed at anyone who justifiably criticises harmful actions by Israel or Palestine. 

3. Some people are sick of all the killing and together with Ukraine, it becomes unbearable to engage in the discussion.

4. Feel their voice won’t be respected.

5. Choosing not to engage because other topics are preferable and the person’s time or energy is limited.

Point 5 applies to me with many topics other than this. Sometimes I just can’t keep up and will get drained looking at so much print. 

I imagine there are other reasons people could add.

One o the things that has astonished me about this thread is how few people are actually talking about the Palestian people, I don't know why I'm astonised but I am.

Now he's stopping international aid and sacking thousands of workers both in the US and abroad, now won't that just help the sum total of human happiness and wellbeing....NOT