Amidst the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad reacted with fury and defiance to US President Donald Trump’s suggestion to “clean out” the territory. The truce, aimed at permanently ending the conflict, is in its second week, but tensions continue to rise.
No Immediate Israeli Response, Far-Right Minister Welcomes Trump’s Idea
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately comment on Trump’s proposal. In contrast, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed Trump’s suggestion, describing it as a “great idea” that demonstrates “out-of-the-box thinking.”
Accusations of Ceasefire Breaches Erupt
The latest hostage-prisoner swap, hailed as a positive development for the truce, has become a point of contention. Israel and Hamas accused each other of ceasefire breaches, pointing to the release of four Israeli soldiers and 200 Palestinian prisoners as evidence of non-compliance.
Trump’s Relocation Proposal Sparks Controversy
Trump referred to Gaza as a “demolition site” and proposed moving Palestinians out of the territory. He suggested that Jordan and Egypt take in refugees,Despite Jordan already hosting around 2.3 million registered Palestinian refugees.
For Palestinians, such relocation plans evoke memories of the “Nakba” — the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation 75 years ago. Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, affirmed that Palestinians will reject any attempt to displace them.
Islamic Jihad, a militant group alongside Hamas, condemned Trump’s proposal as “deplorable,” highlighting its potential to encourage “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Humanitarian Crisis Continues Amid Conflict
The United Nations reports that close to 70 percent of Gaza’s buildings are damaged or destroyed, with close to 87 of the 251 hostages remaining in Gaza, including 34 who are believed to be dead.
The truce has allowed a surge of aid into Gaza, improving the humanitarian situation but not resolving the underlying issues.
Deadlock on Hostage Release and Palestinian Returns
Despite the truce agreement, disputes over hostage releases and the return of displaced Palestinians continue to cause friction. Israel blocked hundreds of thousands from returning to northern Gaza due to what they perceive as Hamas’s non-compliance with the terms.
Hamas, however, claims to have provided necessary guarantees and considers Israel’s restrictions a ceasefire violation.
Hezbollah Ceasefire and Humanitarian Concerns
Israel also signed a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, nearly 1,000 people were injured or killed as they tried to return to their homes in areas where Israeli troops were still present.
Conclusion: Hope Amidst Continued Tensions
The Gaza truce, while fragile, represents a delicate balance. Trump’s controversial relocation proposal has heightened tensions and added to the complex geopolitical landscape in the region. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis call for sustained effort and innovative solutions to achieve lasting peace.
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