ISRAEL WILL HAND OVER GA Z A TO US AFTER FIGHTING, WITH PALESTINIANS RESETTLED: TRUMP
g SAUDI ARABIA REJECTS PROPOSAL OUTRIGHT AND JORDAN ’S KING, WHO WILL MEET TRUMP NEXT WEEK, ALSO REJECTS ANY ATTEMPTS TO ANNEX LAND AND DISPLACE PALESTINIANS
g ISRAELI DEFENCE MINISTER SAYS HE HAD ORDERED ARMY TO PREPARE PLAN TO ALLOW RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO LEAVE OR EXIT GAZA VOLUNTARILY
ISLAMABAD
said on X Katz said his plan would include exit options via land crossings, as well as spe-
cial arrangements for departure by sea and air Trump s unexpected announcement on Wednesday, which sparked anger around the Middle East came as Israel and Hamas were expected to begin talks in Doha on the second stage of a ceasefire deal for Gaza intended to open the way for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia rejected the proposal outright and Jordan’s King Abdullah who will meet Trump at the White House next week said on Wednesday he rejected any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians We will not sell our land for you, real estate developer We are hungry, homeless and desperate but we are not collaborators said Abdel Ghani a father of four living with his family in the ruins of their Gaza City home If (Trump) wants to help, let him come and rebuild for us here
The Foreign Office of Pakistan has issued a strong response to US President Donald Trump s remarks regarding Gaza, calling them unjust and unacceptable During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed Pakistan s firm stance on Palestine stating that its policy has remained unchanged since 1947 Any statement suggesting the forced removal of Palestinians from their land is unjust Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinian people and condemns Israel s violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement Khan stated He called upon the international community to take action against Israel s repeated violations and reaffirmed Pakistan s con-
Displacement of Palestinians has been a long-standing and sensitive issue in the region, and many view Trump s proposal as an attempt to continue policies of forced relocation, which has been banned under the 1949 Geneva Conventions Some Israeli politicians including former general Giora Eiland supported the idea of relocation viewing it as logical but this view has been heavily criticized by others Israel s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced many Palestinians to seek safety within the enclave However, there is widespread fear of permanent displacement recalling the “Nakba” of 1948 when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the creation of the state of Israel
PM discusses prevailing political situation in countr y with Fazl
S TA F F R E P O R T
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana
Fazlur Rehman and discussed with him the prevailing political situation in the country Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal accompanied PM Shehbaz during the meeting Prominent JUI-F leaders Maulana Abdul Ghafoor
Haideri Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman Maulana
Asad Mehmood and Muhammad Aslam Ghauri were also present Both sides discussed the current political situation prevailing in the country
The meeting comes in backdrop of a recent meeting of grand opposition alliance whereby Fazl demanded fresh polls terming PM Shehbaz-led government as illegitimate The meeting between PM Shehbaz and Maulana Fazl is being seen as an effort to
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Thursday approved nine names for the position of additional judges at the Lahore High Court The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi reviewed the nominations for the high court appointments
Four officials from the Punjab Cooperative Board for Liquidation (PCBL) have been arrested and an FIR has been lodged against them and several private individuals for their involvement in major land fraud, including the illegal occupation and sale of government-owned property according to a news report
The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Lahore has launched an investigation into allegations that state land was illegally occupied and sold using forged documents
According to the FIR, approximately 225 kanals of government land were fraudulently transferred and converted into private housing schemes
The scheme allegedly involved PCBL officials who facilitated the illegal occupation and sale of land recorded under various khewat numbers Fake documents were created, and unsuspecting buyers purchased plots that were developed illegally
Despite an official inquiry and directives from the Lahore High Court for a land survey, PCBL staff reportedly obstructed the process, allowing land grabbers to retain possession Some properties previously seized by authorities were also reoccupied through collusion between corrupt officials and private individuals
A total of 41 individuals, including PCBL officials, property consultants, revenue officers, security personnel, and private beneficiaries, have been
named in the case The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected Meanwhile, the Regional Directorate of the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Lahore has summoned senior PCBL officials for an inquiry into financial irregularities The agency has sought information on 200 000 investors mortgage files rental agreements, and defaulting directors The summons specifically calls for the appearance of PCBL officials responsible for claims recoveries and financial records over the past decade Authorities have warned that failure to comply will result in legal action under Sections 172-173 of the PPC
The investigation aims to recover the misappropriated land and hold those responsible accountable
cotton industr y fears EU review of GSP+ status amid sales tax burden
COMMENT
Clueless in Gaza
Trump’s latest proposals have kicked up a storm
US President Donald Trump s latest proposal on Gaza provoked a storm of criticism, and even the audience Mr Trump seemed to appear to be appealing to, the Israeli right-wing, personified by Israeli PM BeIt is perhaps another matter that his ideas are so far out of the box as to be beyond the limits of reality perhaps even sanity It takes a peculiar confidence even for someone as powerful as the US President to repeat suggestion that has been rejected publicly by allies but Mr Trump did so not just blithely repeating his proposal to shift the Gazan population to Egypt and Jordan but committing the USA to reconstructing Gaza into a ‘Riviera for that part of the world ’ As the Zionist right wing would like to see Gaza emptied of Palestinians, they would naturally applaud, but Egypt and Jordan have already condemned any attempt to force them to accept any Palestinians refugees The elaboration he presented of that proposal, that the USA would step in to develop Gaza once it was vacated, raised a host of questions, which he did not attempt to answer, perhaps because of the realization that this would only raise a host of new questions
Perhaps the main problem is that Trump sees the Gaza Strip as real estate to be developed, something which he did in his salad days the big difference being that occupants and owners were on board In Gaza no one is on board and no one else seems attracted by his ambition to build a substitute for Beirut Indeed he may be laying the seeds of a rivalry with Dubai which has been developed to be a substitute for that city which before Lebanon became torn by war half a century ago, had been the playground of the Middle East Amid the almost universal condemnation that Mr Trump s proposal attracted was that by JUI(F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who apart from the condemnation, also made the telling point that the Pakistan government s civilian and military leadership had not taken a stand on the issue In this context, the presence of PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto at Mr Trump s National Prayer Breakfast could be potentially embarrassing, while the Maulana s holding back cannot disguise the fact that the PTI has been as silent about the proposal as the PML(N) Trying to stay in Mr Trump’s good books by keeping quiet is not going to be easy
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
S President Donald Trump is showing his age, because he is throwing old solutions at current problems It would be funny if it was not so tragic Joe Biden did not run last year because he was flubbing so much in public that he was suspected of suffering from senile dementia However none of his executive decisions could be faulted for showing signs that anything was wrong His unwavering support of Israel could be faulted for being a go-to solution mired in the past, and failing to take account of new realities, but compared to Trump’s recent solution now seems merely a hardheaded solution trifle conservative rooted in present realities of US politics and going back to the founding of Israel Trump s proposal seems rooted in the 1948 Nakba: that the Palestinians in Gaza should be sent to Egypt and Jordan Gaza would thus be vacated, and thus made available to Israel for setting up settlements Gaza will have to be rebuilt so does it matter where the rebuilding takes place? This proposal has been rejected by both countries though it mirrors what happened to Palestinians expelled from their homes in 1948 It should not be forgotten that the majority of the population of Gaza consists of Palestinians who were made refugees in 1948 who fled from Israel and went into refugee camps there The Gaza Strip was a small portion of Palestine that was taken over by Egypt in 1948 when it went to war against Israel It used the Strip to base a short-lived Palestinian government-inexile The Gaza Strip was only occupied by Israel after the 1967 War It was only after that War that Israel occupied the West Bank which until then had been in Jordan in control That occupation sent another wave of refugees into Jordan to join the ones already there With 2 1 million refugees, it is the biggest host of Palestinians in the world, of whom 7 million are formally refugees However, that should not obscure the fact that in 1948 Palestinians spread throughout the Arab world being better educated than most natives of the lands they went to and also with the refugee s drive to work hard to survive they made a place for themselves Jordan had a conflicted relationship with the refugees After 1967, the PLO under Yasser Arafat shifted to Jordan, and began to challenge the authority of the state The Jordanian government and the PLO went to war in 1970 The war ended in 1971 after which the Black September was founded which carried out the assassination of Jordanian PM Wasfi Tal in Cairo (where he was attending an Arab League meeting It might have become obvious that Egypt has a conflicted relationship with Gaza When it signed the Camp David Accords in 1978 it only got the Sinai back not the Gaza Strip Israel was supposed
to withdraw from it and the West Bank after elections Jordan also has a conflicted relationship with Palestinian refugees If one adds to that the desire of Palestinians to retain their land Trump s solution is a bad one It might be in line with Israeli wishes, for it would provide a path towards the Greater Israel dream, in which Israel would absorb the territories it occupied in 1967 One of the overriding concerns Israel has had is that the numbers don’t add up In Greater Israel the Palestinians would become a majority if there was universal adult suffrage
Even at present Greater Israel is an apartheid state, with only some Palestinians allowed to vote Israelis do not want a Palestinian PM, which will
b
One way this could be avoided is if the Palestinians could be somehow eliminated Genocide was tired but has not worked Throwing them out is a good option
However, making families refugees twice is a bad idea for Israel Many Biharis now settled in Karachi first became refugees in 1947, when they went to East Pakistan and became refugees gain in 1971 when it became Bangladesh Their example makes it likely that twice-displaced Palestinians will not allow Israel any peace Trump has similar old-fashioned ideas for tackling the opioid crisis, by imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China The flaw
steps to tackling the demand for opioids The only parallel is the Prohibition between 1920 and 1933 when the
importation transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited throughout the USA Demand for bootleg liquor was strong, because Prohibition was not really popular The Mafia got into the business, and the Prohibition probably made fortunes for its bosses It might be mentioned here that the Mafia was already into racketeering and prostitution so bootlegging was merely added on but was not what got it into crime There was widespread smuggling from Canada and Mexico As alcoholic beverages were legal in both countries, neither were very cooperative with the USA, as they should be with opioids, cocaine marijuana and other drugs It was perhaps inevitable that smugglers from Canada and Mexico would get into the drugs trade
Trump was at his worst at the beginning of his first term, but this time around, he has star ted so strongly, that even an improvement will still be pretty bad Is one to seek a prior example in the conversion of the Roman Republic to an Empire, or France before the Revolution? Either way, the road to perdition will be paved with good intentions
Lessons from past catastrophes
SO C I A L media platforms have transformed the way individuals interact, communicate and consume information For the youth these platforms are particularly significant serving as both tools for empowerment and sources of challenges With their pervasive influence, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter have profoundly impacted various aspects of
have become vital tools for education and self-expression They provide young people with access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that were previously unavailable Educational content, online courses, and tutorials are now just a click away, allowing youth to learn new skills, gain insights and stay informed about global issues For instance platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn offer tutorials and career advice that empower young people to prepare for their futures Additionally social media serves as a platform for self-expression and creativity Apps like TikTok and Instagram allow users to showcase their talents, share personal stories, and engage in creative projects These platforms provide young people with an outlet to express their individuality and connect with like-minded individuals across the globe For many this sense of connection fosters a feeling of belonging and acceptance Social media also plays a significant role in raising awareness about social political and environmental issues Youth-led
change in their communities and beyond NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
ON YOUTH: Despite these benefits, the impact of social media on youth is not without its challenges One of the aspects causing most concern is the effect on mental health Studies have shown that prolonged use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety depression and loneliness among young users The constant exposure to curated, idealized portrayals of others lives often fosters feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem Cyberbullying is another significant issue associated with social media The anonymity provided by these platforms enables some users to harass demean and intimidate others without immediate consequences For young people, being a victim of cyberbullying can have devastating effects on their emotional well-being and academic performance Moreover, excessive social media use can negatively impact sleep patterns and overall productivity Many young people find it difficult to disconnect from their devices leading to reduced sleep quality and time management challenges This can, in turn, affect their academic performance and physical health
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COM-
MUNICATION: Social media has reshaped the way young people communicate and maintain relationships On the one hand it allows them to stay connected with friends and family, even across long distances Platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger enable instant communication, making it easier for youth to nurture relationships On the other hand the nature of online interactions can sometimes undermine face-to-face communication skills Over-reliance on digital platforms for interaction may result in shallow connections and a diminished ability to engage in meaningful, in-person conversations This phenomenon, often referred to as “digital disconnection ” can hinder young people’s social development and emotional intelligence
INFLUENCE ON SELF-IMAGE AND BEHAVIOUR: Social media significantly influences how young people perceive themselves and others The emphasis on likes comments and followers often creates a culture of validation that can distort self-worth Many young users feel pressured to conform to beauty standards and lifestyles portrayed by influencers and celebrities, which can lead to body image issues and unhealthy behaviour
Moreover the algorithm-driven nature of social media platforms often exposes users to content that reinforces their existing beliefs and preferences This phenomenon, known as the echo chamber effect, can limit young people s exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking opportunities It may also contribute to the spread of misinformation and polarized viewpoints
STRIKING A BALANCE: MITIGATING THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS: To maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing its risks, it is essential to promote responsible use among youth Parents educators and policymakers have a role to play in guiding young people toward healthier social media habits Educational programmes that teach digital literacy and critical thinking skills can empower youth to navigate social media responsibly These programmes should focus on recognizing misinformation managing online relationships and understanding the impact of excessive screen time on mental health
Parents can also play an active role by setting boundaries and fostering open communication about social media usage Encouraging offline activities, such as sports, hobbies, and family time, can help young people maintain a healthy balance between their online and offline lives Finally social media platforms themselves have a responsibility to create safer digital spaces Implementing stricter policies against cyberbullying, promoting mental health resources, and providing tools to manage screen time are steps that companies can take to support their young users Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern youth culture offering both opportunities and challenges While they provide avenues for education, creativity, and activism, they also pose risks to mental health, social relationships, and self-perception By promoting responsible usage and fostering a supportive digital environment we can ensure that social media remains a positive force in the lives of young people Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of these platforms is crucial to helping youth thrive in an increasingly
ACCORDING to a report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in December 2024, since the start of industrialisation, approximately 2,300 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been released into the Earth’s atmosphere Of this around 40 per cent was released in the last three decades alone As a result average global temperatures have increased by around 1 2°C compared to pre-industrial times
A report released by the World Meteorological Organisation reveals that the intensity of natural disasters such as droughts extreme heat and storms, has increased fivefold over the last 50 years This alarming trend is a precursor to the devastating consequences predicted by the year 2050
The WEF report warns that heatwaves caused by climate change will affect over 300 million people in India, while Europe will experience a fivefold increase in annual flooding Additionally, approximately 1 3 million people in Bangladesh will be forced to migrate due to rising sea levels, and wildfires are likely to increase
The implications of climate change in 2050 are likely to occur, as evident from past catastrophes The 2022 floods in Pakistan, which claimed a large number of lives and the 60 000 heatwave-related deaths in Europe in 2022, serve as stark reminders of the hazards we may face in 2050 Therefore, core nations must take steps to mitigate the implications of climate hazards in the future before it is too late ISMAIL QUETTA
Self initiative
DESPITE the growing presence of technology companies, persistent unemployment rates in Pakistan highlight a critical skills gap that requires immediate attention While talented graduates struggle to find jobs companies struggle to find qualified employees
This paradox stems from a combination of factors, including the limitations of our current educational system and the lack of proactive self-learning as well as development among individuals While many blame the educational structure it is important to acknowledge that successful individuals emerge from the very same system The real gap lies in the approach individuals take towards self-development
As such graduates must understand that their education is merely a foundation; they need to actively supplement their knowledge with practical skills and experience through self-learning, disciplined practice, and hands-on projects This self-reliance is crucial I recently encountered a young man from a remote village in Bahawalpur who, despite limited resources, had honed his skills through online resources and self-driven projects This dedication resulted in his immediate recruitment by a leading tech company This success story exemplifies the transformative power of selfinitiative Instead of relying on outdated education systems, individuals should embrace a proactive approach Continuous learning building practical projects and engaging in self-directed skill development hold critical
It
YAQOOB ALI BALOCH
TH E Abraham Accords, signed during Donald Trump’s first presidency, represent a significant milestone in the history of Middle Eastern diplomacy These agreements sought to normalize relations between Israel and four Arab nations: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco Hailed as a breakthrough for regional stability, the accords have sparked considerable debate regarding their long-term implications particularly under shifting US administrations As Trump reenters the political spotlight questions surrounding the future of the Abraham Accords have gained renewed attention This analysis examines the accords potential trajectory under a Trump presidency or another administration while exploring their broader geopolitical implications The Abraham Accords emerged as a cornerstone of Trump s foreign policy emphasizing peace economic collaboration and security cooperation in a region often characterized by longstanding animosities By facilitating normalization agreements between Israel and key Arab states Trump sought to reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East
These accords represented a shift from decades of conventional Arab-Israeli diplomacy, which had historically hinged on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Instead, the Abraham Accords bypassed this stalemate, focusing on fostering bilateral ties and advancing pragmatic interests Central to the accords was the goal of economic integration Israel and the UAE for instance quickly engaged in multi-billion-dollar trade and investment initiatives spanning sectors such as technology, energy and tourism These eco-
nomic incentives demonstrated the tangible benefits of normalization and provided a template for other nations to follow In parallel, the accords aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation, creating a coalition to counter threats such as Iranian influence and extremism
Now that Trump has returned to the presidency he is likely prioritize the expansion of the Abraham Accords as part of his foreign policy agenda His transactional approach, which often emphasized economic deals and security guarantees, could play a pivotal role in persuading additional nations to join Saudi Arabia and Oman both of which have shown cautious interest in normalization are frequently mentioned as potential candidates Saudi Arabia s involvement would be particularly significant, given its status as a regional heavyweight and its historical leadership of the Arab and Islamic worlds However Riyadh’s decision to join the accords would depend on various factors including domestic political considerations public opinion and the kingdom s evolving relationship with the USA and Israel Oman, known for its neutral foreign policy, might also be enticed by economic incentives and security guarantees aligning its strategic interests with the goals of the Abraham Accords
The Biden Administration s approach to the Abraham Accords has been supportive but less proactive While the Administration has acknowledged the significance of these agreements, it has prioritized rebuilding traditional alliances in Europe and Asia over expanding Middle Eastern initiatives This shift reflected broader changes in US foreign policy which has pivoted away from direct involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts toward addressing challenges posed by greatpower competition with China and Russia
Under Biden the Abraham Accords have not witnessed significant expansion with the Administration focusing instead on maintaining the agreements existing framework This more subdued engagement raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the accords, particularly as regional dynamics evolve
One of the most contentious aspects of the Abraham Accords is their exclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Critics argue that the accords sideline Palestinian aspirations for statehood undermining the broader
Towards a Trump Tower in Gaza?
Trump’s proposed land grab in Gaza is an especially egregious manifestation of Orientalist psychosis
prospects for peace in the region The absence of meaningful progress on resolving this issue could strain relations between Israel and the Arab nations involved in the accords particularly if domestic pressures in these countries intensify For instance, public opinion in several Arab states remains deeply sympathetic to the Palestinian cause If Arab governments perceive normalization with Israel as compromising their support for Palestinian rights they may face internal backlash This dynamic underscores the importance of addressing the Palestinian question as part of any comprehensive strategy to sustain and expand the Abraham Accords The Middle East’s geopolitical landscape is undergoing significant transformations influenced by shifting alliances and the growing involvement of external powers such as China and Russia
One of the most notable developments is the warming ties between Iran and Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, mediated by China This rapprochement could weaken the momentum of the Abraham Accords by encouraging Arab nations to reassess their alliances based on evolving regional priorities
China s growing influence in the Middle East adds another layer of complexity As Beijing deepens its economic and diplomatic ties with the region, it may seek to position itself as a mediator in Middle Eastern affairs potentially challenging the USA s traditional role Russia too has sought to expand its presence in the region leveraging its military and energy partnerships to bolster its influence These developments highlight the need for the USA to remain actively engaged in the Middle East to ensure the Abraham Accords’ continued relevance
Despite the challenges the Abraham Accords have already yielded substantial economic benefits, which could serve as a foundation for their expansion Trade and investment between Israel and the UAE, for example, have flourished since the agreements were signed with bilateral deals spanning critical sectors These economic opportunities have demonstrated the potential for normalization to deliver tangible gains creating incentives for other nations to join
Additionally, the accords have fostered people-to-people exchanges, promoting cultural understanding and cooperation Initiatives such as direct flights joint tourism ventures and academic partnerships have strengthened ties between Israel and its Arab counterparts, further solidifying the agree-
ments foundation In a region marked by persistent security challenges, the Abraham Accords offer a framework for strategic alliances
The agreements have facilitated closer coordination between Israel and its Arab partners on issues such as counterterrorism cybersecurity and defense This collaboration has the potential to serve as a counterbalance to Iran s regional ambitions, providing a platform for collective security
Under the Trump presidency or similar leadership security guarantees could be a key tool for expanding the accords By offering defence partnerships and military support the USA could encourage additional nations to join, strengthening the coalition against shared threats Public opinion in the Arab world has traditionally been skeptical of normalization with Israel driven by historical grievances and solidarity with the Palestinian cause However recent surveys suggest a gradual shift in attitudes particularly among younger generations Economic pragmatism, combined with changing social dynamics, has contributed to growing acceptance of normalization in some Arab countries This evolving mindset could help sustain and grow the Abraham Accords provided that governments address public concerns and demonstrate the tangible benefits of these agreements Efforts to build trust and foster understanding between peoples will be critical to ensuring the accords’ long-term success The future of the Abraham Accords hinges on several key factors:
1 US Leadership: The extent to which the USA remains actively involved as a me-
ity Neglecting this issue could undermine the agreements’ credibility and alienate Arab publics
3 Regional Dynamics: The evolving geopolitical landscape including Iran s influence and the role of external powers, will shape the accords trajectory Adapting to these changes will require flexibility and strategic foresight
4 Economic
Trump’s Gaza ‘ownership’ proposal will not work: This is why
ownership position” over the razed coastal enclave would basically entail forcibly displacing the bulk of the resident Palestinian population to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts , such that Gaza might be transformed into the Riviera of the Middle East” Lest anyone question the prospect of the US illegally appropriating a territory 10 000 kilometres (6 214 miles away) Trump assured his audience: Everybody I ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent ” Anyway, who said ethnic cleansing wasn’t magnificent?
But Trump s proposed land grab in Gaza is an especially egregious manifestation of Orientalist psychosis, an exercise in redrawing the map of the Middle East by spontaneous fiat The displacement of Palestinians to make room for the impending Riviera of the Middle East would seem to simply be a continuation of genocidal behaviour – at least as per the Genocide Convention s definition of genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national ethnical racial or religious group”
Though emptying Gaza of its Palestinian inhabitants would constitute comprehensive destruction on pretty much all the aforementioned grounds, Trump has determined that the potential in the Gaza Strip is unbelievable” – as long, naturally, as the Palestinians don’t return: “I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza I heard that Gaza has been very unlucky for them They live like hell They live like they re living in hell
And yet one easy way to resolve the hellish situation would have been to refrain from creating it in the first place Even before the onset of all-out genocide in October 2023 the US spent decades facilitating Israel’s regular bouts of mass slaughter terrorism and general oppression in Gaza Now Trump has reversed Biden s superficial moratorium on the delivery of certain heavy bombs to Israel, which won t do much in terms of alleviating “hell”
Leave it to US imperialism, of course, to provide a handy non-solution to a problem it helped spawn – and to Donald Trump to provide the quickest-ever remedy to an intractable crisis that has occupied the better part of a century As an added benefit, the hubbub over Trump s proposed conquest of the Gaza Strip distracts from current serious problems in the US itself including the country s unabashed conquest by supersketchy billionaires
Belén Fernández is a contributing editor at Jacobin
and has written for the
And if there are folks who think otherwise well Trump has not discarded the possibility of deploying the US military to rectify the situation: As far as Gaza is concerned, we ll do what is necessary If it s necessary, we’ll do that ” Of course it’s not particularly shocking that a billionaire former real estate tycoon –overlord of the iconic Trump Tower in New York City – might detect lucrative business opportunities in a picturesque Mediterranean seaside territory that has conveniently just been flattened by the Israeli army with dedicated assistance from Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden Perhaps Gaza City might one day host its very own Trump Tower? In the meantime Trump s tyrannical approach to the Gaza Strip is of a piece with the barbaric egotism he has extended to many other parts of the world, as well This is not to say, obviously, that Biden and his fellow Democrats have not pursued their own monstrous policies – such as you know aiding and abetting Israel s genocide in the Gaza Strip
When Trump suggested displacing Palestinians, one million people were not amassing at the Gaza-Egypt border but moving north, back to their towns
Israel’s defeat in Gaza has also shattered its image as a regional hegemon, strengthening the position of the Resistance camp and Iran
TR U M P S proposal to take own-
ership” of Gaza is a reckless move that emboldens Israel and threatens regional stability US President Donald Trump has doubled down on earlier comments once again proposing that the US take ownership of Gaza and redevelop it Capitalizing on the provocative statement Netanyahu quickly responded calling Trump “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House and praising him for thinking outside the box with new ideas Netanyahu s supporters in Israel celebrated what they saw as a historic moment Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called Trump’s plan “the true response to October 7 Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to adopt the policy immediately saying It is time to implement and promote it Arab countries strongly rejected any attempt to ethnically cleanse Palestinians The Saudi foreign ministry swiftly issued a statement reaffirming its “firm and unwavering” position on the establishment of a Palestinian state and rejecting any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land ” Trump’s comments generated widespread media interest and political reactions for two reasons
First they were made in the presence of Netanyahu signaling a possible shift in US foreign policy toward an even more destructive path in Palestine and the broader region Second, Trump was not speaking off the cuff but reading from preprepared remarks indicating that this proposal was being considered as an actual foreign policy doctrine
In an attempt to understand the timing and nature of Trump s remarks, many analysts linked them to the growing influence of pro-Israel evangelicals and extremists within his administration
Others suggested that Trump was preparing the US for a regional war while some dismissed the proposal as just another element of his
maximum pressure tactics At the Palestine Chronicle, we believe Trump s proposal is neither realistic nor serious However, the consequences of such reckless foreign policy will be dangerous in both the short and long term WHY TRUMP MADE THIS PRO-
POSAL: One, Trump is eager to sustain the ceasefire in Gaza To do so, he needed to offer Netanyahu a political gift that could pacify Israelis across the political spectrum and prevent what many believe is the imminent collapse of his government even civil war
Two the Israeli military defeat in Gaza has left both Tel Aviv and Washington without any real leverage to reshape the outcome of the war or the region’s politics
By shifting the conversation to his outlandish proposal Trump believes he can reclaim the initiative for the US and Israel
Three Trump understands that Saudi Arabia is reluctant to normalize ties with Israel Over the past year and a half, the Saudis have come to see Israel as an unreliable potential partner, and US support for Israel has pushed the region closer to allout war Israel s defeat in Gaza has also shattered its image as a regional hegemon strengthening the position of the Resistance camp and Iran The idea of Israel as a protector against Iran has all but disappeared, making normalization less urgent if necessary at all Trump’s proposal is a desperate attempt to empower Israel and warn the region that with US backing it can still cause devastation at a moment s notice
Four, by escalating his rhetoric on Gaza, Trump is giving Israel more time and space to carry out incremental ethnic cleansing in the West Bank According to the Jenin governorate nearly 4 000 families have already been displaced from the Jenin refugee camp amounting to the majority of its population Similar campaigns are underway throughout the northern West Bank While international media and
Dr MuhaMMaD akraM Zaheer
CHINA VOWS DEVELOPMENT AS XI MEETS WITH THAIL AND PM, BRUNEI’S SULTAN
and excavator to complete the demolition
They do not have the power to destroy the country s independence with bulldozers, Hasina said
S eminar foc uses on early diagnosis, awareness to prevent ROP-triggered blindness in newborns
scholars intellectuals media personnel and a large number of the general public In his address as chair of the seminar, the Ameer of Tanzeem-e-Islami, Shujauddin Shaikh, stated that the recent violent actions of the illegitimate Zionist state in Palestine have not only exposed the alliance of Hindus
ogy/Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Pro-Vice Chancellor KEMU), Prof Dr Haroon Hamid (Chairman of the Department of Paediatrics) Dr Akmal Laiq (Professor Emeritus Paediatric Medicine) Dr Saira (Health Officer UNICEF), and Dr Quratul Ain (Health Specialist UNICEF) Welcoming the distinguished guests Prof Dr Muhammad Moin said that retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in premature infants especially those born before 35 weeks of gestation, weighing less than two kilograms, or requiring oxygen The birth rate and survival rate of premature infants have increased in Pakistan which has made the diagnosis of ROP even more urgent If these infants are not diagnosed in time the disease can become an epidemic and cause permanent blindness
The workshop was graced by the presence of Prof Dr Mahmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University as the chief guest The distinguished speakers included Prof Dr Muhammad Moin (Principal College of Ophthalmol-
VC Prof Dr Mahmood Ayaz appreciated the best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of ROP a disease of blindness in children and the measures taken to train nurses This is a revolutionary step that can change the lives of children
PTI FOUNDER’S LETTER TO ARMY CHIEF ‘UNNERVED’ RULING’ COALITION: BARRISTER SAIF
No decision on opposition parties’ alliance yet: JUI-F leader
JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah on Thursday said that the opposition parties have yet decided on the formation of a formal alliance
No decision yet taken about forming an alliance of the opposition parties and the matter has only been up for consultations about the opposition parties’ alliance ” the JUI-F leader while talking about the sitting of major opposition parties at the residence of former speaker Asad Qaiser here the other night
The opposition has made its mind over some points,” Hafiz Hamdullah said adding that the meeting held at Asad Qaiser ’s residence discussed the political situation at length
All political leadership including Maulana Fazlur Rehman attended the meeting,” JUI-F leader said “The leaders agreed that there was neither politics nor democracy in the country he said The meeting was attended by
JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman PkMAP head Achakzai Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar Omar Ayub and other leaders of opposition parties Hafiz Hamdullah said that no decision yet taken about forming an alliance of the opposition parties “The matter has only been up to the consultations about the opposition parties alliance he said The opposition has made its mind over some points “The February 08 polls were not the election but an auction”, he said
“We want political and democratic stability in the country he said We want an elected assembly and government which requires new election, JUI leader said He said the incumbent government has not been elected by the people ” There is no rule of law in country ” “The country needs the rule of law which is not there is also no constitution in country he further
this incident ” He said that all the officers were very saddened and they are standing with bereaved families at this hour of the night, adding that our ministry was trying to create legal means to refrain such untoward incidents in future The ministry was signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several countries to
The
discussions
of
jing,
President Zardari also
Qiang and Chairman of
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condoled with Prince Karim Aga Khan on the passing of His Highness Aga Khan In a post on X on Thursday the prime minister said Spoke to
Prince Karim Aga Khan to express my deepest condolences on the passing
JI to obser ve Black Day on Feb 8
Committee of the National People s Congress Zhao Leji, reaffirming the strength of Pakistan-China relations One of the key aspects of the joint statement was Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel projects and institutions operating within its territory The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude, and agreed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counter terrorism The Pakistani side will continue to make all efforts to investigate into the terrorist attacks involving Chinese personnel and bring the perpetrators to justice It will also further increase input into security, and take targeted and enhanced measures to effectively ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan and create a safe environment for cooperation between the two countries China in turn commended Pakistan s counterterrorism efforts and expressed readiness to provide additional assistance in enhancing Pakistan’s security capacity Both countries agreed to advance the high-quality development of CPEC 2 0 prioritising cooperation in renewable energy infrastructure science and technology and agriculture They also committed to promoting Pakistan s 5Es framework and implementing the eight major steps of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in Pakistan Key infrastructure projects discussed included the upgradation of the ML-1 railway in a phased manner the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) to enhance land connectivity and the operationalisation of Gwadar Port and the New Gwadar International Airport, reinforcing its role as a trade hub
in
(CPEC)
Additionally, both sides expressed their willingness to encourage Chinese companies to engage in investment and cooperation in Pakistan s mining industry and encourage relevant departments of both countries to carry out terrestrial and marine geological survey cooperation
The Pakistani side welcomed Chinese companies’ participation in offshore oil and gas explorations
The two sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other on core national interests
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the one-China policy and supported China s stance on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea China, in return, expressed full support for Pakistan’s sovereignty stability and territorial integrity
China also reaffirmed its support for Pakistan s economic stability including its financial and fiscal needs Pakistan welcomed China s increased participation in joint industrial ventures, strengthening bilateral trade relations Both countries underscored the importance of a peaceful and stable South Asia China reaffirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved in line with the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions
The two nations also discussed counterterrorism cooperation and Afghanistan’s se-
world level Waqas expressed grave concern over reports of Imran Khan’s skyrocketing sugar levels and irregular heartbeats, warning that if, God forbid, anything were to happen to him the nation would hold the powers grabbers accountable and make them an example PTI CIS urged hat PTI founder
curity situation, urging the Interim Afghan Government to dismantle all terrorist groups operating in the region
The joint statement highlighted strengthening people-to-people ties including educational technological and cultural cooperation China agreed to expand scholarships for Pakistani students, support vocational training, and enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence big data and communication technology
Pakistan thanked China for its valuable contributions to alleviating its power shortages agreeing to strengthen energy sector efficiency and management
Pakistan expressed strong support for China’s Global Development, Global Security
