Former Saudi ambassador, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, criticized Trump’s Gaza takeover plan as ethnic cleansing, predicting conflict and bloodshed. He emphasized the need for international condemnation against the Israeli occupation and questioned the viability of Trump’s approach that diverges from a two-state solution. Furthermore, he warned that such policies would strengthen militant groups like Hamas and destabilize the region further.
Former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S., Prince Turki Al-Faisal, condemned Donald Trump’s proposal for U.S. oversight of Gaza, calling it a plan for “ethnic cleansing” that could incite violence. In an interview with CNN, Al-Faisal expressed his outrage over Trump’s suggestions about sending troops to transform Gaza into a desirable destination, countering that this approach would contradict international standards against ethnic cleansing.
He articulated that various Arab and Muslim nations, alongside European allies, would likely present this matter at the UN, asserting global condemnation against such proposals. Al-Faisal emphasized that the fundamental issue lies with the Israeli occupation, not the Palestinians themselves, which he believes should be acknowledged by the international community.
Prince Turki criticized Trump’s shift away from a two-state solution that was historically endorsed by U.S. policy, asserting it reflects the extreme views of Israeli politicians like Itamar Ben-Gvir. He claimed Trump’s rhetoric signals an acceptance of Israeli dominance and a disregard for Palestinian rights, escalating tensions in the region.
He stated that any future visit by Trump to Saudi Arabia would prompt strong objections from the Saudi government regarding his current policy proposals, which Al-Faisal classified as inequitable. Referencing Trump’s historic ties with Saudi Arabia, he noted that economic commitments have not altered the Kingdom’s stance on Palestinian independence.
Furthermore, the former ambassador reiterated Saudi Arabia’s longstanding demand for the establishment of a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for normalizing relations with Israel. He warned that Trump’s strategy, in light of the ongoing devastation in Gaza, would exacerbate support for militant factions like Hamas.
Finally, Prince Turki stressed that oppressive actions against the Palestinian people would only foster further resistance and hostility, echoing widespread warnings that continued campaigns of repression would lead to greater conflict in the region.
The background of this article centers on the political implications of U.S. foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine, particularly in light of recent statements by former President Trump. The historical context includes the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict and previous U.S. support for a two-state solution, which has faced challenges from hardline Israeli positions. The response from Prince Turki highlights the Saudi perspective, emphasizing the necessity for Palestinian statehood and the risks of violent repercussions from proposed policies that ignore this fundamental issue.
In conclusion, Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s critique of Trump’s Gaza plan highlights serious concerns regarding potential ethnic cleansing and geopolitical instability. His insistence on recognizing the Palestinian plight and the consequences of Israeli occupation reinforces the need for a negotiated two-state solution. Furthermore, his comments reflect broader apprehensions in the Arab world about U.S. foreign policy and its alignment with extremist factions, urging a collective international response to maintain regional peace and justice.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com