Middle East Press On: Netanyahu, Israel, Jewish Communities, Saudi Arabia, Palestinians, American Fog, Iranian Year, Trump’s Gaza Paln: New Age Islam's Selection, 18 February 2025
By New Age Islam Edit Desk
18 February 2025
1. How does Netanyahu measure up to history?
2. Israel and global Jewish communities need a new era of philanthropy
3. Has the time finally come? Israeli tourism in Saudi Arabia
4. Israel’s mental health crisis: Fear and blame won’t fix it
5. Trump's Gaza plan should be given a fighting chance
6. The American fog and Iranian year
7. Palestinians must be given the chance to rebuild Gaza
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How Does Netanyahu Measure Up To History?
By Jpost Editorial
February 18, 2025
We have now reached day 501. It has been more than 500 days since innocent Israeli citizens were first taken hostage by Hamas – hundreds of days of suffering for families desperate for their loved ones’ return.
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations – a gathering of prominent leaders from US Jewry, many of whom have supported Netanyahu over the years. In a wide-ranging speech, the prime minister discussed the future of Gaza, the war in the region, and the importance of Israel’s relationship with the United States.
Netanyahu spoke about the US administration’s plan for Gaza, describing it as a “bold new vision” that offers hope for a different future for both Israel and Gaza. He also praised the US for its steadfast support. “We have the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu said.
The speech raised questions about Israel’s long-term strategy in Gaza as the war continues into its 14th month. The prime minister’s emphasis on maintaining security and dismantling Hamas reflects his belief that only through military strength and clear-eyed resolve can Israel ensure its safety.
He stressed that any future arrangement in Gaza must guarantee that Hamas does not regain control and that Israel retains the ability to act swiftly against terrorist threats. According to Netanyahu, the path to lasting peace lies in a combination of diplomatic efforts and unwavering military pressure to disarm extremist factions and restore security to the region.
Netanyahu also addressed the broader regional dynamics, citing Israel’s operations in Syria and the ongoing efforts to curtail Hezbollah’s influence. He noted the weakening of the Assad regime’s military capabilities as part of these efforts. “We didn’t get any flowers from Damascus for this, but that’s okay; we can live with it,” he said. “With Syria, we’ve ensured it can no longer be used as a Launchpad for attacks on Israel.”
Drawing a historical parallel, Netanyahu referenced the decision during World War II to neutralize the Vichy French fleet to prevent its use by the Nazis. “We similarly dismantled Assad’s military capabilities,” he said.
At the same time, while Netanyahu has successfully built strong diplomatic relationships, many Israelis hope for more direct engagement from their leadership. The families of those still held in Gaza, as well as wounded soldiers and bereaved families, have sought meetings with the prime minister, eager to share their pain and receive reassurances about the government’s commitment to bringing the hostages home.
Netanyahu has met with some families and addressed their concerns, but many feel these meetings have been limited and formal. The hostages’ families have organized marches, protests, and public appeals to raise awareness of their plight. Their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Israeli people.
Navigating turbulent times
As Israel navigates these turbulent times, the government faces the immense challenge of balancing military operations, diplomatic efforts, and domestic unity. Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized the existential threat posed by Iran and its proxies, underscoring the importance of maintaining military vigilance while pursuing broader regional alliances. The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations with several Arab states, stand as a testament to this strategy.
In these difficult times, personal connection can play a significant role in national unity. The bond Netanyahu has cultivated with American Jewish leaders is undoubtedly valuable – it strengthens international ties and bolsters support for Israel during this challenging period. At the same time, deepening his engagement with those on the home front could further reinforce national resilience.
Israelis understand the gravity of the situation and the immense burden on their leadership. They seek reassurance not only through strong words and strategic decisions but also through visible solidarity. Meeting with the hostages’ families, wounded soldiers, and those who lost loved ones could go a long way in reinforcing the unity that Israel needs to endure these difficult times.
The path forward remains complex, with no easy solutions on the horizon. As Netanyahu continues to make critical decisions for Israel’s future, his ability to connect with the nation’s citizens could become an essential part of the country’s resilience.
After 501 days, Israelis are not just looking for military success – they are looking for a sign that their leaders share their pain, their hope, and their determination for a better future.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-842544
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Israel And Global Jewish Communities Need A New Era Of Philanthropy
By Alon Tal
February 18, 2025
In the over 15 months since the horrific attacks of October 7, it is clear that many in Israel and around the Jewish world have been transformed.
Our thinking has changed, the way we act has been altered, and our charitable giving trends have been revised. Part of this is that there has been a huge rise in giving to Israeli charities.
According to a poll taken toward the end of last year, of 73 organizations across the US with operating budgets ranging from under $1 million to more than $500 million, focusing on giving patterns from October 2023 to May 2024 demonstrated that 37% saw new donors after October 7 and 27% received larger donations from existing donors.
It is clear that more people want to donate more money.
In the aftermath of October 7, it became glaringly clear that traditional philanthropic systems, both in Israel and across the global Jewish Diaspora, were ill-prepared for the scale of the challenges we faced.
Public services and systems were either overwhelmed or unable to quickly adapt to the emerging crisis, and the urgency to respond was felt by donors worldwide. At a time when efficiency in charitable efforts has often been hindered by outdated practices and bureaucratic inefficiencies, an opportunity arose for a new vision in philanthropy. This vision seeks to transcend these limitations and shortcomings, and address the needs of a rapidly changing world
Over the past fifteen months, as support for Israel and Jewish-related causes has surged, I’ve witnessed firsthand the constraints faced by donors, even those associated with some of the largest and most established philanthropic organizations. This isn’t just a matter of overcoming obstacles, but rather a clear call to rethink how we approach charitable giving, especially in the Jewish community.
The status quo is no longer acceptable, efficient or feasible to meet post-October 7 needs.
DRAWING FROM my experience as a wealth manager for individuals who are ultra-high net-worth and as a fund’s manager in the capital markets, I’ve noticed a persistent theme: a desire to do good, yet a frustration with the inefficiencies that define the philanthropic sector.
Overhead costs, lack of oversight, and rigid organizational structures create barriers to making the kind of meaningful impact that donors aim for.
When I transitioned from being a professional adviser for clients to becoming a donor myself, these inefficiencies became glaringly evident. They weren’t just inconveniences; they were unacceptable norms, ones that would never be tolerated in the business world, where transparency and efficiency are paramount.
It was this realization that spurred the creation of the Merit Spread Foundation, which we launched just days before the devastating events of Simchat Torah in October 2023. Our goal was simple: to challenge and change these outdated norms and offer a better way forward for philanthropy.
Initially, we supported a wide range of causes, including health, education, and scientific research. But when the conflict broke out, we quickly pivoted to focus on urgent needs, helping victims of the war, including hostages’ families, orphans, and displaced Israeli individuals and communities.
This shift in focus wasn’t about starting just another charity. It was about creating a revolutionary force in the philanthropic sector. In the span of just one year, we helped our clients raise well over $50 million from donors, deploying it into various impactful projects across social benefit causes.
Our success stems from our commitment to a zero-overhead model, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to their intended purposes. This commitment to transparency has established a new precedent.
Moreover, we’ve introduced a matching program through a newly established endowment to help fulfil the long-term philanthropic goals of our donors. With this structure in place, we empower them to make a meaningful and lasting impact, without being burdened by administrative hurdles.
Bold vision for philanthropy
OUR VISION is as bold as it is transformative. We aspire to be to philanthropy what Tesla is to the automotive industry, what Netflix is to entertainment, and what Amazon is to commerce.
The Merit Spread Foundation’s model resonates with a wide audience, from high-net-worth individuals to corporations looking for tax-efficient and impactful giving opportunities. By removing administrative complexities and providing robust legal, operational, and technological support, we enable our donors to focus on what truly matters: driving change.
At the same time, we recognize that the landscape of philanthropy is shifting. Younger generations, millennials and Gen Z are looking for ways to measure impact and maintain control over their charitable efforts.
These generations are leading the charge, with philanthropic figures like Mark Zuckerberg using flexible LLC structures for their charitable activities rather than traditional non-profit models. The Merit Spread Foundation is perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand, serving as a hub for the next generation of philanthropists.
As we expand into Europe, beginning with Switzerland and the UK, our commitment remains steadfast: to build a global philanthropic organization that not only addresses the needs of donors and social benefit organizations but sets a new benchmark for what philanthropy can and should be.
Sixteen months after the tragic events of October 7, we are in the middle of a ceasefire, but that can change, and the trauma of our people continues.
Nevertheless, the time has come for us to think beyond immediate crises and adopt long-term solutions that address both current and future challenges.
This is what Israel and the global Jewish community need now more than ever. Together, we can create a more transparent, efficient, and impactful future for philanthropy, a future where doing good isn’t just an aspiration, but a reality where all can donate knowing that your money is going 100% to the cause of your choice, in an efficient, speedy and transparent manner.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-842550
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Has The Time Finally Come? Israeli Tourism In Saudi Arabia
By Harry H. Moskoff
February 18, 2025
Naysayers move aside. It’s coming. Yes, 2025 is the year we’re in the kingdom!
For many years now, I have been working on bringing to light and filming previously hidden religious antiquities from the biblical Middle East, Asia Minor, and Europe. The only place I had as yet been unable to visit was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It had always proved elusive.
However, as the Abraham Accords return to life with the second US Trump Administration, we are all on the brink of a new horizon just waiting to be explored.
For me, it’s about time to change hats.
No more scepticism.
There’s nothing like international tourism to break open the gates of peace through mutual discovery!
Contrary to popular belief, the country of Saudi Arabia came into existence less than 100 years ago (in 1932). There are still many places there that have not been inhabited for millennia. Jews are familiar with that sort of time frame.
[There were Jews there during classical antiquity] In fact, Jews had a community in Eastern Saudi Arabia called Al-Ahsa [arriving there at the behest of the Ottoman Empire], where there is, apparently, an old Jewish cemetery.
How many Jews actually live in Saudi Arabia today? Surprisingly, according to Jewish expatriates living in the kingdom, there are approximately 3,000 Jews currently residing there, mostly English-speakers hailing from North America, South Africa, and France.
My question is: Where do these people go for a trip or holiday break when they need one? Answer: Out into the lovely Arabian desert! Where else?
Don’t know about you, but, somehow, that just wouldn’t work for my family.
With that in mind, I’m sure that Saudi Vision 2030 was established as a massive government infrastructure-building program launched by the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) some 10 years ago.
Projects for the tourism sector alone include the Royal Arts Complex, the new Abha Airport, a submerged Coral Bloom, the Jeddah Historic District and Jeddah City Central, Desert Rock, Boutique Group, and the unique and as yet undiscovered Al-Ula region, similar, in many ways, to Petra.
Then, there is the beautiful seaside Red Sea Project covering approximately 10,800 square miles of islands, beaches, deserts and mountains. It is already popular, but will eventually include about 3,000 hotel rooms, its own private airport, marinas, and a commercial district. The kingdom expects this destination alone to attract a million tourists a year. And yes, I’m pretty sure there will be kosher food and a landmark Chabad House to boot!
Upon reflection, it has occurred to me that there is one even more exciting and undiscovered landmark destination that will soon be made available to us, on the more spiritual side, and that is Mount Sinai.
Yes, you read that correctly, the true location of the biblical Mount Sinai where the ancient Israelites camped over 3,300 years ago and where Moses brought down the Ten Commandments as written in the Book of Exodus.
According to my research, God chose His Revelation not to be in Egypt, nor the Sinai Peninsula, but on an unassuming mountain located in the present-day Al-Horeba region of Saudi Arabia.
This is based on the biblical narrative, rabbinical tradition, and topographical studies related to the theory of Sir Alexander Hood, 1888-1980).
The most famous landmark from the Bible, the real Mount Sinai, would be a major attraction for all faith-based people.
“Tourism is a bridge between nations,” Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz said, in a recent statement reported by Bloomberg. “Tourism cooperation has the potential to bring us closer together and herald economic flourishing.”
During his historic visit to Saudi Arabia in September 2023 for UN World Tourism Organization event, Katz became the first Israeli government minister to lead a delegation to the Gulf kingdom.
He insisted that it was only the travel industry that could kick off improvements in relations between the two countries.
Indeed, Katz’s statement was near-identical to what Saudi’s own Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said during the same conference. After a warm welcome: “There is [an Israeli] delegation here in the country for the first time. I hope they were received well!” he said: “Everyone in this room understands that tourism is our bridge between people and between cultures.”
On that note, the very first Saudi-Israel educational travel experience is coming. An Israeli tour, journeying to the far reaches of Saudi Arabia for the purposes of biblical archaeology, including the above-mentioned Mount Sinai location is both compelling and spiritually inspiring.
This is what a modern-day peace process pilgrimage looks like. I have no doubt that the various US and Israeli ambassadors whom I have worked with on past projects will be on board.
A hard idea to sell
However, it must also be said that even after Saudi Arabia signs the Abraham Accords, it’s going to be a hard sell to the locals. The majority of Saudi citizens today are still averse to normalization with the State of Israel.
A poll conducted by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in late 2023 found that over 90% of Saudis opposed relations between Israel and the Arab world. In January 2024, a surprising high of well-over-half of Saudis were opposed to Saudi recognition of Israel, according to a Doha Institute poll.
This opposition has included the withholding of permits allowing Israeli sports teams to participate in events in the kingdom. This is to be expected, however, given the many decades of anti-Israel demonization and misinformation that has been prevalent in the Saudi media and education system.
Once they take advantage of the Abraham Accords though and actually come to Israel to see for themselves, this attitude will no doubt change.
Having said that, I am very big on the idea of utilizing various forms of “soft diplomacy,” as subtle ways of breaking the ice and letting tensions thaw out between the parties through indirect means. Tourism is at the forefront of this.
Once formal permission can be obtained from the tourism and foreign affairs ministries [of both countries], and in coordination with the IDF – theoretically – such tours to famous biblical sites could turn it into one of the ultimate religious heritage destinations.
The time is now to take that giant step in making tourism and Mount Sinai a powerful bridge for peace between our two great and ancient nations.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-842545
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Israel’s Mental Health Crisis: Fear And Blame Won’t Fix It
By Gila Tolub
February 18, 2025
The state comptroller’s report published last week highlights critical gaps in Israel’s mental health response after October 7.
Some findings are valid, particularly regarding long-term public health risks and the need for better data integration.
However, other conclusions are flawed, based on unrealistic benchmarks that risk spreading fear rather than driving real solutions. Instead of fixating on incomplete statistics, we need to focus on practical reforms that will make a real difference.
A misleading panic
The report’s claim that PTSD therapy dropout rates in Israel are abnormally high ignores key realities. Unlike global studies conducted in stable environments, Israel’s therapy occurs amid ongoing trauma. Therapy models designed for post-trauma recovery don’t easily apply in wartime.
Additionally, the fixation on 36 therapy sessions as a benchmark for success is arbitrary – people recover at different paces, and rigid session counts don’t define effective care.
Unrealistic expectations
The report rightfully flags long wait times but fails to acknowledge that no system could have been fully prepared for the scale of October 7 – 124,000 evacuees, mass casualties, and widespread displacement. Volunteers, many of them trained professionals, played a critical role in bridging the gap.
The real issue was the slow allocation of government funds, which left the mental health response reliant on philanthropy. Future preparedness must prioritize a step-care model, training non-specialists, and establishing a rapid-response mental health reserve.
Data fragmentation
Here, the report is right – Israel’s lack of mental health data integration is a major barrier. Hospitals, health funds, and mental health centres don’t share records, leading to gaps in care. Fixing this requires standardized data protocols, stronger privacy safeguards, and a national trauma registry. Without these changes, people will continue to fall through the cracks.
Trauma’s long-term impact
Untreated trauma isn’t just about PTSD – it raises risks for cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and chronic health conditions. It also affects employment, education, and national security. If trauma is not properly addressed, we risk long-term societal instability and soldiers unable to return to service.
The wrong focus
While expanding Resilience Centres and reducing PTSD disability claim wait times are important, the report is overly focused on traditional one-on-one therapy. Trauma healing must be scalable. Task sharing, digital tools, group interventions, and AI-driven screening should be prioritized.
Building together
The question isn’t whether Israel’s response has been perfect – it hasn’t. The question is whether we will use this moment to build a stronger, more resilient mental health system – one that reflects the realities of war, integrates mental health data, expands community-based care, and leverages technology to scale solutions.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-842543
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Trump's Gaza Plan Should Be Given A Fighting Chance
By Ari Zivotofsky
February 18, 2025
President Donald Trump has proposed an idea that caught many off guard – relocating many Gazans to other countries. This plan had previously been suggested by some Israelis who were mocked by local political opponents for the idea. Now that the new president of the United States has suggested it, other countries have taken notice.
But does that mean they are in favour of it? Quite the contrary. Most countries have lambasted the audacious and bold scheme. But before criticizing it, they should take note of what the Gazans themselves desire. Indeed, until recently, Gazans have been leaving and have expressed their desire to relocate. And it is not just a few; it is large numbers.
Following Trump’s announcement, CNN, not a fan of Trump, immediately ran an article in which Gazan after Gazan insisted that they will stay in Gaza no matter how difficult the situation is, and would never dream of leaving.
It seems that CNN was unable to find even one person to represent the other side. That is quite perplexing. It may be that CNN didn’t really look for such respondents or that in the current climate, nobody is willing to admit they want to leave.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to look at two other sources of information. One is how Gazans have spoken with their feet over the last several decades. What were the immigration statistics like before October 7, 2023? The polls conducted prior to the current Hamas-initiated war are another source.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (submitted to the journal before the current war) documents the phenomenon of Gazans emigrating. The article acknowledges that precise numbers are elusive, writing: “According to unconfirmed reports cited by PSR (Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research), the opening of the Rafah Crossing with Egypt in 2018 led to as many as 24,000 emigrants from Gaza in 2018, while Israeli governmental sources believe the number to be 35,000.”
And that is in one year.
'Mass exodus' from Gaza
At the end of September 2023, mere weeks before the Hamas massacre in Israel, the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre published a fact sheet entitled, “The mass exodus of young men from the Gaza Strip.”
Again, admitting that figures are tenuous, they assert that “according to several reports, since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, between about 250,000 and 350,000 young adults have left.”
That is over 10% of the population who have left! And until the war shut down the exits, the exodus from Gaza appeared to be picking up steam.
This fact sheet claims that “in one week, 18,000 applications for visas to Turkey were submitted and there was a waiting list of 83,000 to leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing.”
This is not just Israelis saying this. On September 19, 2023, Palestinian TV broadcast a program called “Emigration from Gaza,” in which they also claimed that in the past 15 years about a quarter of a million young Gazans had moved abroad.
It is noteworthy that healthcare and life expectancy were high in Gaza before the current war and thus, despite this emigration, the population had not plummeted due to the high birth rate, which is the second highest in the Middle East.
Those who left often have no regrets. They have fared well, with the exception of those who migrated to other Arab countries that refuse to let them integrate in order to perpetuate their refugee status. For example, Chile is home to almost half a million Arabs from Israel, and they have integrated extremely successfully.
Still, leaving is not easy, as the costs of paying to cross to Egypt are far above most people’s reach. It is thus instructive to know how many Gazans desired to leave.
The PSR conducted a survey among Gazans that ended the day before Hamas initiated the war. The results speak about voluntary, not forced, emigration and were reported by an Arab polling agency. They found that 31% of Gazans and 21% of Arabs in Judea and Samaria were considering emigrating – results similar to those found in 2021.
According to the data, 38% of Gazan males and 44% of Gazan youth (18-29 years old) want to leave. The top four desired destinations for Gazans are Turkey, Germany, Canada, and Qatar.
Many are interested in leaving
THE EVIDENCE seems clear. Many Gazans, particularly the young, are interested in leaving and have declared this over the years in polls and with their feet. They were interested in leaving before the current Israel-Hamas War and they are certainly interested in leaving now.
As is evidenced historically and in current events, wars are a great incentive for people to leave; even people who claim great attachment to the land in which they are living often leave when there is war.
According to a Washington Post article, between the start of the current war and the end of June 2024 (i.e., the first nine months of the war), 115,000 Gazans have entered Egypt. This is despite Egypt’s adamant opposition to Gazans moving there. Those who interviewed by CNN who insisted that they will stay in Gaza at all costs are making an obvious political statement.
Countries that have long supported the rights of immigration, particularly from war zones, are being hypocritical by objecting to this now. For countries such as Turkey, which has participated in population transfers, to claim that this is against human rights is simply being anti-Israel.
It really is logical. Who would not want to leave, given their current circumstances? Obviously, they would want to go to places where they feel safe, countries where there are already Muslims and/or Arabs, where their children can thrive.
Sure, these are generalizations and some truly want to stay. How much emigration should be forced, how much encouraged, and how much would be voluntary could be discussed. Which countries should take them can be negotiated. However, a version of the Trump plan should be given serious consideration.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-842535
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The American Fog And Iranian Year
Ghassan Charbel
February 17, 2025
The diplomat is familiar with Washington and its hallways where decisions are made. He used to visit at the beginning of presidential terms and return with as many answers and expectations as possible to report to his superiors.
This time, however, he found himself confronted with a difficult task. He came across a Washington that was shrouded in heavy fog and with the world focused on the return of the “strongman” to the White House. Fog covered the whole of the US and the diplomat came back with more questions than answers.
There is a feeling at the White House that the country is at a major turning point. Donald Trump will not make do with changing the furniture at the White House; he is dreaming of changing the country’s political and economic features.
The diplomat said that the new American compass is so shaky that it has confused allies and enemies alike. Going along with Trump is like driving on a bumpy road in an almost impenetrable fog. He returned with the impression that he wanted to end the Russia-Ukraine war, not only because he has his sights set on the Nobel Peace Prize, but to reserve a place for himself in the history books. He seems to be relying on his old friendship with Vladimir Putin to achieve that goal, as it appears that the war has not soured ties between them.
The diplomat also sensed that Washington was insistent on firmly tackling the Iranian file on the basis of preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb and from mobilizing its “parallel armies” to destabilize the region. It does not take a lot to realize that Trump wants to make peace in the Middle East. The diplomat paused, however, at Benjamin Netanyahu’s success in securing a close and influential alliance with the Trump administration.
Ever since he returned to the White House, Trump has bombarded the world with a series of statements and posts that have created confusion. He is on the brink of launching a trade war, is tackling the Ukraine file by recognizing the reality on the ground imposed by the Russian war and has created disarray by outrageously suggesting that Gaza’s residents be removed from the enclave so that it can be transformed into a beautiful riviera.
This confusion and fog appear to be absent when it comes to the Iranian nuclear file, on which the Trump administration is not backing down from its positions.
Fog enveloped Europe when J.D. Vance, speaking from Munich, rebuked the countries of the continent for their alleged stifling of freedoms, criticizing them for their approach toward the far right. Europe seemed to panic at the possibility of the Ukraine war being decided without it and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Vance seemed to echo Trump’s past remarks that the US will not pay the price of protecting Europe forever.
Trump made such a statement back in 1987, when he was a real estate developer far removed from the world of politics. That year, he visited Moscow and admired the opportunities available there. He declared that Europe could cover the costs of defending itself.
As the Europeans become preoccupied with the fate of the war in Ukraine, the people of the Middle East will be preoccupied not only with peace, but with what will happen with Iran. This is unquestionably Iran’s year. Trump has categorically declared that Iran will not be allowed to possess a nuclear bomb. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that position from Israel on Sunday after meeting Netanyahu, who shared his stance.
The prevailing impression is that there can be no new deal with Iran that does not cover its rocket arsenal and destabilizing role in the region. The question is: Will the Iranian supreme leader agree to make such huge concessions over Iran’s role, especially in the wake of its losses in Syria and Lebanon?
Important deadlines are approaching in the Palestinian territories, Iran and Ukraine amid the dense American fog. Syria, Lebanon and Iraq are also concerned with the fog and the choices America will make. A deep and detailed dialogue with the Trump administration is necessary because protesting is not a form of policy and does not protect stability or rights. An Arab vision for peace based on the two-state solution is necessary. This is the only way to end this chronic conflict.
With its political and economic weight, Saudi Arabia is the leading Arab and Islamic country capable of playing a role to that end. Its hosting of American-Russian meetings ahead of a summit is a testament to that role. It is also recognition by Washington and Moscow of Saudi Arabia’s Arab, Islamic and international standing. The current consultations to prepare an alternative plan to Trump’s Gaza proposal reflect this standing. Moreover, Saudi Arabia can benefit from the strong ties it has forged with heavyweights China and India, as well as the EU.
We must be prepared for the Iranian year. An American-Iranian agreement will mark a major turning point in the region. Israel’s destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities — with American support — will be another major and dangerous development that we must prepare for. The heavy fog should not be an obstacle to safe navigation if countries are prepared, use their strengths and hold dialogue with the Trump administration based on mutual interests, the benefits of stability and revenues from investments and prosperity.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590550
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Palestinians Must Be Given The Chance To Rebuild Gaza
Chris Doyle
February 17, 2025
Does US President Donald Trump have a point? To an extent, maybe. Gaza is a “hellhole.” In fact, it has been a hellhole for years as a result of previous Israeli bombardments. Rebuilding Gaza will be some challenge. The UN estimates there is about 50 million tonnes of rubble, intermingled with an array of unexploded ordnance. Technically, it would be easier to empty Gaza temporarily.
The trouble is that this was not what Trump was suggesting. Trump wants a Palestinian-free Gaza to indulge his real estate dreams. He made it clear Palestinians would not be allowed to return — a violation of international law constituting the forced displacement of a civilian population. This plan exhibits no understanding of the historical Palestinian experience, whereby 70 percent of the Palestinian population became refugees between 1947 and 1949, hundreds of thousands were displaced again in 1967 and, during the last 16 months, 90 percent of the population of Gaza was again forcibly displaced. This was no great humanitarian proposal, as the White House tried to make out.
Palestinians have long demonstrated a determination not to be forcibly displaced yet again. It is their right to stay on the land. They show no signs of leaving it.
Anti-Palestinian groups argue that Palestinians in Gaza could leave voluntarily. There can be nothing voluntary about leaving in a situation where they have already been bombed and starved into near-oblivion.
This dream was not an off-the-cuff moment. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner made similar comments about cleaning up Gaza last year. Trump was shown ambitious plans for the Gaza riviera development that were devised by an economics professor at George Washington University, Joseph Pelzman.
Why can Palestinians not dream of their riviera on the Mediterranean in Gaza? Is this so outlandish?
Just as most of the world argued that any solution for the Syrian Arab Republic must be Syrian-led, any solution for Palestine has to be Palestinian-led. Gaza is for Palestinians and all designs on the future of the Strip must be devised by them, for them and with them. Pelzman’s paper was decidedly not this and it reads as if it had been drafted by a committee of Israeli settler pogromists. It states that the administration of Gaza would be “subcontracted to the selected investors and/or their representatives.” The education curriculum would be based on those from other states.
Arab states are hurriedly devising their own plans. This includes the state of Palestine. This is vital given the need to demonstrate that there is a workable alternative — and there certainly is — to the suggestions emanating from the White House.
The costs will be astronomic — the UN estimates about $50 billion. However, until a proper assessment is carried out, it is only educated guesswork.
No donor state will fund this, nor will private businesses invest unless there are cast-iron guarantees that Israel will not flatten Gaza again. Who would even dare to suggest that Israel pays compensation, let alone contribute to the reconstruction costs, as it should?
It should be understood that Gaza was not, as Trump described, a “demolition site.” It has been bombarded into rubble as a deliberate Israeli strategy. Israel has a responsibility, though few suggest that Israel should offer temporary shelter to Palestinians with no homes.
Reconstruction requires the blockade to be lifted and the unimpeded entry of construction materials and equipment. The dual-use system Israel enforces has to be ditched, as it prevents the import of essential construction materials. The systematic Israeli destruction of the healthcare system means that hospitals need to be rebuilt. The Israeli-orchestrated scholasticide also saw the bombing of every single university site in Gaza, while 87 percent of schools have been damaged or destroyed. This means that the education system also needs to be rebuilt. The entire water, sanitation and power infrastructure has to be rebuilt. To encourage the return of proper economic life in Gaza, which has been throttled by decades of occupation and siege, it needs a port, an airport and safe passage to the West Bank, all of which were agreed to under the Oslo Accords.
The political system needs to be rebuilt too. It requires a Palestinian administration in Gaza that, first and foremost, has the support of Palestinians. It also has to attract the confidence of the international community. This is unlikely to be Hamas. So, who? A refreshed Palestinian political order is a medium- to long-term project for Palestinians, but a technocratic government would be a start.
Israel should not have a veto, nor should the US. If Israel wants security and not territory, then a thriving Gaza is definitely in its best interest.
Palestinians are capable of rebuilding Gaza themselves, if permitted, although genuine international assistance would be welcome. They have the skills, the motivation and the experience. But they cannot do this with the dead weight of the Israeli occupation blunting any endeavour.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590543
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