FridayOL

President Donald Trump's recent whirlwind tour of the Middle East saw significant diplomatic strides, including landmark deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and exploratory outreach to Syria and Iran. However, a glaring omission characterized the trip: the Palestinian people received absolutely nothing. Amidst the flurry of agreements and handshakes, the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict remained largely unaddressed, leaving many questioning the future of peace efforts.

Trump's visit, marked by lavish ceremonies and high-profile meetings, focused heavily on regional security and economic partnerships. The deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar aimed to bolster counter-terrorism efforts and strengthen economic ties. The engagement with Syria, though tentative, signaled a potential shift in US policy towards the war-torn nation. Even discussions with Iran, despite ongoing tensions, hinted at a willingness to explore avenues for dialogue.

But for Palestinians, the trip was a stark reminder of their marginalization in the current geopolitical landscape. While Trump has previously expressed a desire to broker a peace deal, his actions during this tour offered little to suggest a renewed commitment to their aspirations. The absence of any meaningful engagement with Palestinian leaders or any concrete proposals for addressing their grievances was deeply disappointing to many.

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump once again floated the controversial idea of the United States taking over the administration of Gaza, a densely populated territory controlled by Hamas and subject to an ongoing blockade. This suggestion, widely condemned by Palestinians and international observers, has been interpreted as a further erosion of US impartiality in the conflict and a disregard for Palestinian self-determination.

Why the Lack of Focus on Palestinians?

Several factors may explain the lack of attention given to the Palestinian issue during Trump’s trip. Firstly, the administration appears to be prioritizing its relationships with Arab nations who share concerns about Iran’s growing influence. Secondly, the current political climate in Israel and Palestine makes a genuine peace process seem increasingly distant. Finally, Trump's administration has consistently demonstrated a pro-Israel bias, which has further alienated Palestinian leaders.

The Implications for the Future

The outcome of Trump's Middle East tour has significant implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The lack of engagement with Palestinians risks further entrenching the status quo and undermining any prospects for a two-state solution. The suggestion of US control over Gaza is particularly troubling, as it would effectively bypass Palestinian governance and perpetuate the cycle of conflict.

The international community must continue to press the United States to adopt a more balanced approach to the conflict and to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Without a renewed commitment to a just and lasting peace, the region will remain trapped in a cycle of violence and instability. The Trump administration's actions have, for now, left the Palestinians feeling abandoned and their hopes for a brighter future diminished.