Our Friday News Analysis | What the World Reads Now!

By Abraham A. van Kempen
7 February 2025

A Godsend? A Blessing in Disguise? Just Cut Through the NOISE When Reading the NEWS!

President Trump: “I envision a vibrant community everyone can call home. Together, we can establish an extraordinary international gathering place. It will be a melting pot of cultures, including Palestinians, where many can thrive and coexist. People have tried other approaches for years, but it can be different now!”

Netanyahu swiftly endorsed the plan, remarking, "President Trump is elevating matters to a new level. He envisions a brighter future for that troubled land, which has endured much violence and hardship. His perspective is refreshing and merits our attention. As he considers these new ideas, there’s potential to create a significant historical impact here."

The conversation extends beyond two nations; it resonates with the entire planet! If it’s not miraculous, it’s extraordinary. A heartfelt thank you to President Trump for uniting people worldwide to stand against tyranny and support a vulnerable population tragically caught in the crossfire.

President Donald J. Trump is quite aware of the historical and anthropological intricacies of the region. He recognizes the deep connection that the indigenous communities of Palestine have to their land, especially the area nestled between the Jordan River and the sea. These communities primarily identify as Semitic, tracing their roots back to the biblical Abraham – from the semen (seed) of Abraham –and they proudly carry a rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, the European Jews who wandered into the land from Eastern Europe, now referred to as Judeo-Israelis, have a different background, descending from pagan converts with no genetic ties to the land. Nowadays, many Judeo-Israelis don’t practice Judaism actively or follow traditional beliefs, often shaping their identities within a broader cultural context instead of a strictly religious one.

For Christians, it is evident that many indigenous Palestinians have roots in Galilee, Samaria, and the united tribes of Israel. The Christian Bible, the New Testament, recognizes these mixed ancestry groups as the remnants and diverse communities of the twelve tribes of Israel. Throughout history, they have devoted their worship to Yahweh and maintained their spiritual commitment, even after adopting Islam in the seventh century. Christians learn about the Good Samaritan, the Woman at the Well, and the Disciples of Jesus. The historical Jesus cherished these Palestinians. Most Christians today are descendants of their Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ. These early Christians—Palestinians—spread Christianity throughout the world. The New Testament affirms that the remnants of Israel – Palestinians – loved Jesus. The Judeans did not.

Palestine holds a special place as the homeland for all Palestinians. Judea, once the territory of the Tribe of Judah, is nestled within Palestine. Today, the modern state of Israel is located in Palestine. Although it constitutes a small part of the larger region, its significance is immense. Before 1948, the name Israel was not associated with a country; it was a surname. Initially, there were twelve tribes, each linked to a land named after the sons of Jacob, a scoundrel made good, as described in the Hebrew Bible as Israel.

Many of us envision the modern state of Israel evolving into a republic with a Constitution. At present, Israeli citizenship feels incomplete. We seek an Israeli nationality, similar to that of Americans, British, Dutch, and many other countries worldwide. Israel is on a journey of self-discovery, still working to institute a Constitution that gives its citizens a distinct sense of Israeli identity: the Israeli nationality.

All my friends in Israel-Palestine, who cherish this beautiful land as their home, wish to warmly greet everyone who shares this sentiment with a heartfelt, “Welcome home.” The whole world is now talking about the Palestinian homeland. What a Godsend! Thank you, Mr. Trump.

Maybe in my lifetime, lives will thrive without borders.

Ultimately, when confronted with the truth, Western nations will no longer feel the need to dispossess, displace, and scatter the indigenous descendants of biblical Abraham. The land of Israel-Palestine, where I was born, has been their homeland for millennia. Israel should aim to become ‘a light among nations’ and break out of its Holier-Than-Thou, ghetto mentality. Let us work towards being part of the human race in one state for all.

TRUMP'S FOREIGN POLICY - STRATEGY BEHIND THE NOISE?
WITH PROF. JEFFREY SACHS AND PROF. GLENN DIESEN

“The U.S. can stop wars. It cannot win them.”

Click Here to Watch Video (37 minutes, 15 seconds)

Host Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
5 February 2025

Trump's actions on the international stage reflect his goal of reshaping US foreign policy. He also has a knack for generating buzz that keeps him in the spotlight. For analysts, a key challenge is distinguishing between his strategy and the surrounding noise. While some of his messaging seems purposeful, there are moments when he appears to be improvising.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has advocated for multipolarity and claimed that the unipolar world order is over. Does this signal Trump’s withdrawal from NATO's hegemonic peace in Europe, which sparked the Ukraine war, or is it just Rubio's independent view?

• Trump envisions a peaceful relationship with Russia and acknowledges that NATO’s actions may have contributed to escalating the situation. At the same time, he tries to communicate the importance of aligning with U.S. expectations in the dialogue with Russia.
• Trump wants to end the wars in the Middle East, but he also sends 2000-pound bombs to Israel and casually suggests ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians from Gaza.
• Trump hopes to build a good relationship with China while also striving to address the challenges posed by China’s technological advancements.

It’s intriguing to distinguish between authentic foreign policy actions and the surrounding noise!

TRUMP, IN SHOCK ANNOUNCEMENT, SAYS U.S. WILL TAKE OVER GAZA AFTER PERMANENTLY DISPLACING PALESTINIANS

The U.S. President unveiled his plan at a White House press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who immediately endorsed it, saying, 'Trump is taking it to a much higher level.'

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu field questions during a joint press conference held in Washington's East Room of the White House on February 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

By Ben Samuels and Liza Rozovsky
Washington
Haaretz | Israel News
5 February 2025

WASHINGTON - During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump made a stunning announcement that the U.S. will pursue a plan to take ownership of Gaza. This came soon after he had called for the permanent displacement of the Strip's residents.

"The U.S. is eager to step in and support the Gaza Strip, and we're committed to doing a great job. We will take responsibility for carefully removing any dangerous unexploded bombs and weapons from the area. Our plan includes clearing away the damaged buildings and transforming the site into a thriving community filled with job opportunities and housing for everyone there," he shared.

Trump firmly believes that the Gaza Strip, which has endured decades of hardship and suffering, has not been kind to its residents or those around it. The Strip has had a challenging history, and the people there have endured a lot. He feels that it shouldn’t undergo a rebuilding process only to be occupied by the same individuals who have experienced this struggle, fought for the land, and faced so many difficulties.

Displaced Gazans crossed the Netzarim corridor from the southern Gaza Strip into Gaza City last week. Credit: AFP/Omar al-Qattaa

"We can explore opportunities in other countries that share our humanitarian spirit — many are eager to help. Together, we can create various communities for the 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza, bringing an end to the cycle of death, destruction, and hardship they face," he continued. "These could be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, or even more sites, or perhaps one large community. The goal is to ensure people can live in comfort and peace. They deserve to experience peace, free from violence and suffering, unlike what this wonderful civilization has had to endure."

When asked whether Trump would deploy U.S. troops to Gaza, he said, "If necessary, we will do that. We intend to take control of that area, develop it, and generate thousands of jobs. It will be something that the whole Middle East can take pride in."

"I envision a strong, lasting ownership that could bring stability to that part of the Middle East. From everyone I've talked to, it's clear this decision wasn't made lightly. There's genuine excitement about the U.S. owning this land, developing it, and creating thousands of jobs in a lovely area many may not know about. While some may only see the remnants of death and destruction, I see so much potential for renewal and growth," he shared. "I've studied this closely, examining every perspective. Unfortunately, the situation could worsen if we don't take action."

On Monday, people walk past an electronic billboard showing U.S. President Donald Trump shaking hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Tel Aviv, Israel. Credit: Ariel Schalit, AP

Trump called Gaza "a hellhole” before the bombing, stating, “We're going to give people a chance." He mentioned that leaders in the Middle East support the idea, believing it will bring stability.

While he emphasized that he didn't wish to be seen as “cute" or a "wise guy," he envisioned Gaza as the potential "Riviera of the Middle East.” It could be truly magnificent, but even more importantly, the people who have suffered so much deserve to live in a much better situation.

I imagine a vibrant community that everyone can call home. Together, we can create an extraordinary international gathering place. It will be a melting pot of cultures, including Palestinians, where many can thrive and coexist. People have tried other approaches for years, but this time can be different now!

Netanyahu quickly supported the plan, noting, "President Trump is elevating things to a new level. He envisions a brighter future for that troubled land, which has faced much violence and hardship. His perspective is refreshing and deserves our attention. As he explores these new ideas, there’s potential to make a significant historical impact here."

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff left, and U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Walz walked back on Tuesday after speaking to the media outside the West Wing of the White House. Credit: Alex Brandon/AP

The news was quite surprising, drawing attention away from Trump’s promise to decide on Israel's potential annexation of the West Bank within the next four weeks. This could be a significant turning point for the entire Middle East!

He also supported the hostage deal: "We’re working on getting them out, and we'll transition into phase two soon. We hope to ensure all the hostages are safe. If we can't, it might push us to take a firmer stance."

Click the alert icon to follow the following topics published by Haaretz | Israel News:

• Gaza war
• Gaza
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• Donald Trump

What is the Side of the Story that is Not Yet Decisive? Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen

ANALYSIS | FOUR EXPLANATIONS FOR TRUMP’S SHOCKING GAZA PROPOSAL

Breaking down the president’s suggestion —whether it’s a distraction, a negotiating ploy, or more.

During a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump on 4 February suggested the U.S. would “own” the Gaza Strip. (Video: The Washington Post)

Click Here to Watch the Video (1 minute, 26 seconds)

Analysis by Aaron Blake
Washington Post
5 February 2025

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump presented the most unrestrained vision for an increasingly unshackled second term.

During a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated that the United States “will take control of the Gaza Strip,” will “own it” for the long term, and plans to redevelop the area, even suggesting it could become the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

U.S. allies rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal that the United States “take over” Gaza. Here’s what we know about the ceasefire deal and the hostages remaining in Gaza.

Trump’s commitment has stunned both the Middle East, his opponents, and some domestic allies. Following this path would entail displacing 2 million Palestinians from their homes — Trump suggested creating "various domains” for them in different locations — and would involve Americans in the volatile situation of the Middle East.

This would likely necessitate a large-scale mobilization of U.S. troops despite Trump’s prolonged criticism of foreign nation-building efforts.

The immediate question is, of course, whether he’s serious. Here are a few theories.

1. It’s a distraction

Critics have long argued that media coverage of Trump often portrays his outlandish ideas as mere "distractions"—tactics designed to divert journalists and the public's attention away from more mundane yet valid controversies.

However, the fact that this theory has been exaggerated doesn’t imply that it lacks validity as a strategy. Undoubtedly, Trump is increasingly "flooding the zone” with audacious (and frequently legally questionable) actions that make it challenging for everyone to stay ahead.

Former Trump White House adviser Stephen K. Bannon told my colleagues late last month, “It’s working. What they’re doing is astonishing, and it’s going largely unreported because it’s overwhelming. They’re completely inundating the system.”

Trump’s announcement came as the opposition has significantly increased its efforts to oppose his and Elon Musk’s aggressive government takeover.

Before Trump announced, The Washington Post reported that many of Musk’s maneuvers to seize control of massive government functions could be illegal. Similarly, Charlie Savage of the New York Times wrote a good piece about how Trump has “opened the throttle on defying legal limits.”

"Many of these actions are so blatantly illegal that I believe they’re attempting to overwhelm the system, thinking it can’t address all this lawlessness simultaneously," said David Super, a law professor at Georgetown Law School, in an interview with The Post.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-New York) urge everyone not to play along.

“I have news for you — we aren’t taking over Gaza,” Murphy posted on X late Tuesday. “But the media and the chattering class will focus on it for a few days, and Trump will have succeeded in distracting everyone from the real story — the billionaires seizing government to steal from regular people.”

However, with Trump, the challenge is determining what is genuine and fabricated. Ignoring proposals like this can also be risky. What if he indeed plans to deploy U.S. troops to Gaza, but we did not thoroughly discuss this because we dismissed it as a bluff?

Even just Trump proposing this notion could reignite tensions in a region that recently experienced a peace agreement, as it implies the mass and permanent displacement of Palestinian Arabs from their territory. Other Arab nations are already condemning this idea.

We’ve also seen how some of Trump’s wilder ideas have been dismissed as unserious, only to have him follow through.

2. It’s a negotiating ploy.

Another theory suggests that this may be a strategy aimed at the Middle East instead of the domestic political discourse.

Similarly, this mirrors Trump’s recent threats of substantial tariffs on Canada and Mexico, from which he ultimately retreated after offering seemingly minor concessions.

This might be Trump making an unimaginable threat to push Middle Eastern nations towards a more sustainable peace. He would say we will intervene if you all can’t resolve this.

Might that encourage Hamas to be more open to relinquishing power? Could it exert pressure on Saudi Arabia to establish normal relations with Israel, cease demands for a Palestinian state, and assist in the postwar efforts? These seem to be among the more probable objectives.

Moreover, Netanyahu did not support Trump’s plan unequivocally and regarded it more as a concept than a definitive U.S. intention. He commended Trump’s "readiness to challenge established ideas" but indicated that his proposals might not wholly resonate.

“He has a unique perspective, and I believe it merits our attention," Netanyahu stated. “We are discussing it. He is examining it with his team and staff.”

Also, remember that although Trump’s approach to global U.S. leadership has been quite un-Reagan-like, he views his actions in the Middle East as a significant aspect of his legacy.

3. He’s leaning into the madman theory even more.

The “madman theory" was frequently mentioned during Trump's first term. This concept involves making other nations perceive you as unpredictable and willing to do anything to maintain control. Richard M. Nixon utilized this strategy in his interactions with the Soviet Union.

And Trump sees the benefit of this.

During an October interview with the Wall Street Journal editorial board, Trump answered a question regarding the potential use of military force to defend Taiwan from China and its president, Xi Jinping.

“I wouldn’t have to because he respects me, and he knows I’m f---ing crazy,” Trump said of Xi.

A longtime Trump adviser echoed that in comments to Axios late Tuesday:

“He’s shifting the boundaries of madness," the adviser remarked. “This time, he’s unfazed by media coverage or analysts: He’ll share whatever comes to mind."

4. His sudden imperialist streak is very real.

No doubt, threatening to occupy Gaza contradicts Trump's longstanding foreign policy approach. He has consistently advocated for an "America First" strategy and asserted that the U.S. should refrain from nation-building efforts in the Middle East.

“The clear-eyed pursuit of American interests is replacing our policy of never-ending war, regime change, and nation-building,” he said in 2019.

He stated in 2016 that the “era of nation-building” had ended.

Trump is now not only talking about nation-building but what critics have said would necessarily amount to the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.

But in a way, it’s of a piece with his increasingly imperialistic tendencies.

He has shown heightened intentions to claim Greenland and the Panama Canal, even hinting at using military force. Additionally, he has suggested making Canada the 51st state. Notably, he devoted part of his inaugural address two weeks ago to the notion of “manifest destiny," which indicates that U.S. expansion is a divine right.

In recent comments on Tuesday, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, reiterated his earlier statement from March, declaring that “Gaza’s waterfront property holds significant potential value." He suggested "relocating the residents before revitalizing the area."

No one promotes the possibilities of “waterfront property" quite like Trump, who reiterated his son-in-law’s remarks on Tuesday by stating that Gaza might become “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

All this imperialistic rhetoric could be mere bluster. However, it’s also conceivable that Trump, feeling liberated in a potential second term, might pivot from years of utilizing “America First” for political advantage to prioritize the expansion of the United States in the regions that matter to him, making it a central element of his legacy.

If he pursues that agenda, he will likely encounter fewer constraints. The established foreign policy advisors from his initial term, who would have warned him against such moves, are no longer present. Although Senate Republicans frequently pushed back against Trump’s foreign policy initiatives from 2017 to 2021, they appear less inclined to oppose him in a potential second term.

In other words, who can say for sure? However, it might be beneficial to explore his motivations and what this threat—whether it turns out to be genuine or not—could signify for us.

U.S. WON’T PAY TO REBUILD GAZA OR SEND TROOPS, WHITE HOUSE SAYS

The Trump administration does not intend to pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, nor has it made any commitment to sending U.S. troops there, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday, offering clarifying details a day after President Donald Trump vowed to take over the territory and rebuild it.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during the daily briefing at the White House on Wednesday. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

By Michael Birnbaum
Washington Post
5 February 2025

The Trump administration does not intend to pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, nor has it made any commitment to send U.S. troops there, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday, offering clarifying details a day after President Donald Trump vowed to take over the territory and rebuild it.

Leavitt emphasized, "The president understands that U.S. involvement in the rebuilding process is essential for regional stability for everyone. However, this does not entail deploying troops to Gaza, nor should American taxpayers finance this effort. Instead, Donald Trump, recognized as the ultimate dealmaker, will negotiate agreements with our regional partners.”

Trump said Tuesday that he wanted the United States to take over Gaza and rebuild it, proposing a mass displacement for “all” the Palestinians who live there, an idea that has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinians and Arab nations in the region. He said he would send troops to Gaza “if it’s necessary.”

Leavitt said Palestinians in Gaza would need to be “temporarily relocated,” despite Trump’s suggestion Tuesday after an Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the displacement would be permanent.

She said Trump has been “socializing and thinking about” the proposal “for quite some time.”

Leavitt’s comments amounted to a partial walk-back of some of the more extreme elements of Trump’s proposal after the president drew widespread international condemnation for saying he wanted the United States to take a “long-term ownership position” in Gaza and move its residents to a “good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” in another country.

But even a temporary displacement is likely to be opposed by many of Gaza’s residents and regional Arab nations.

RUBIO SAYS TRUMP ‘VERY GENEROUSLY' OFFERED TO ASSIST IN REBUILDING GAZA

'It's a unique offer, one that no other country in the world has stepped up and made an offer,' Rubio says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubi

By Rabia Iclal Turan
Anadolu Ajansi Turkey
5 February 2025

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended former President Donald Trump’s suggestion for the US to “take over” the Gaza Strip, calling it a “very generous” proposal intended to help rebuild the conflict-ravaged area.

During a joint press conference in Guatemala City with President Bernardo Arévalo, Rubio responded to Trump’s controversial suggestion of turning Gaza into a "Riviera of the Middle East," a proposal that has stirred significant reactions throughout the region and beyond.

"President Trump’s remarks yesterday acknowledged the severe damage in Gaza," Rubio said. "The reconstruction will require enormous billions, as some areas are now unlivable and will remain so for the foreseeable future."

He stressed that Trump's proposal isn't a "hostile move" but a "generous" commitment to leading the reconstruction of Gaza, highlighting that no other nation has made a comparable promise.

"As you rebuild and clear away debris, it's important to note that unexploded munitions and various Hamas weapons are still buried underground. For residents to live safely, all of these must be removed, which is a massive task," he explained.

In my opinion, the sole generous act by President Trump has been to express the United States' readiness to intervene, remove the debris, and restore the devastated area by clearing out all the unexploded ordnance.

Meanwhile, residents won't be able to stay there because crews are removing debris and munitions. He explained that this is his proposal.

He mentioned that if Trump's plan is approved, the specifics "would need to be coordinated among several partner nations."

"This is a distinct offer, unlike any made by other countries worldwide," he added.

He clarified that the intention wasn’t hostile but rather generous, as it involved an offer to oversee the rebuilding process.

Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians in Gaza first came after a ceasefire agreement took effect in the enclave on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war that has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and left the enclave in ruins.

He stated at a Tuesday evening news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "the US will take control of Gaza."

He reiterated that the Gazan population ought to be relocated to nations such as Jordan and Egypt while the US transforms the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

TRUMP'S DECLARATION US WILL 'TAKE OVER' GAZA SPARKS GLOBAL OUTRAGE

US President Donald Trump outlines his Gaza proposal at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2025. Photo: AFP / Bryan Dozier

Staff
Radio New Zealand
6 February 2025

Donald Trump's plan for the US to "take over" Gaza and redevelop it once Palestinians had been resettled elsewhere has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders.

In a Tuesday press conference at the White House, the president expressed his vision of a "long-term ownership position" for America, stating that the area could be turned into the "Riviera of the Middle East."

Trump's surprising action, as a former New York real estate developer, drew criticism from global powers like Russia, China, and Germany, which warned it could lead to "new suffering and new hatred" in the conflict-ridden nation.

Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia also rejected the proposal outright.

During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, Trump revealed limited details about the initiative. Netanyahu appreciated the president's effort to adopt a new strategy for the enduring conflict.

US President Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu hold a press conference at the White House. Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP

Egypt, Jordan, and several Arab nations have expressed strong opposition to any efforts to displace Palestinians across the border.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry stated in a statement that it rejects "any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has firmly asserted the kingdom's stance clearly and explicitly,' leaving no room for interpretation under any circumstances.

The US president told reporters that he thinks King Abdullah of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with whom he had discussed the plan, would eventually accept it despite their initial refusals.

Meanwhile, Turkey has called the move "unacceptable".

Fears plan could cause 'new suffering and new hatred'

China and Russia have voiced criticism of the approach.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow supports a two-state solution, a call echoed by the Chinese foreign ministry.

Several European allies of the United States have emphasized their backing for a two-state solution to the conflict.

Germany's foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said the plan would "lead to new suffering and new hatred."

During a session in Parliament on Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer seemed to oppose Trump's proposal, stating that Palestinians "must be permitted to have homes."

"They should have the opportunity to rebuild, and we must support them in this process towards a two-state solution," he stated.

France's foreign ministry spokesperson, Christophe Lemoine, stated that the plan "would represent a grave breach of international law, an infringement on the rightful aspirations of the Palestinians" and would act as a "significant hurdle to the two-state solution and a major destabilizing force for our close partners, Egypt and Jordan, as well as for the entire region."

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated, "Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, and they must remain there."

The 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas resulted in 47,000 deaths in Gaza and displaced millions more.

The unfortunate conflict began when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023. This tragic event led to the loss of at least 1,200 lives and resulted in at least 250 individuals being taken hostage.

REPUBLICANS CONFLICTED ON TRUMP’S PITCH TO ‘OWN’ GAZA: ‘I THOUGHT WE VOTED FOR AMERICA FIRST’

Some senior party leaders describe Trump’s vow that the US will ‘take over’ Gaza as ‘problematic,’ while others express approval.

From left to right: Rand Paul, John Thune, and Lindsey Graham. Photograph: Getty Images

By Richard Luscombe
The Guardian – United Kingdom
5 February 2025

Republicans reacted with mixed opinions on Donald Trump’s proposal to "own" Gaza, describing it as ranging from "problematic” to “a couple of kinks in that Slinky” and “a bit of a stretch." Meanwhile, some senior party leaders expressed their approval.

A notable criticism originated from Rand Paul, the senator from Kentucky, who expressed his disapproval of the president’s plan on X early Wednesday morning.

“The pursuit for peace should be that of the Israelis and the Palestinians. I thought we voted for America First,” Paul wrote.

Welcome to Trumpworld, where the developer-in-chief sees dollar signs in the rubble of Gaza
Read more

“We should not consider an additional occupation that would jeopardize our resources and sacrifice our soldiers’ lives."

His remarks were in opposition to those of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who expressed his support for Trump’s proposal.

“We’re working on the specifics, but I believe this is a positive development,” he shared with Manu Raju, CNN’s chief congressional correspondent.

“We need to support Israel fully. Whatever form that takes we’re open to engaging in that conversation. It’s an unexpected development, but I believe it’s one we will welcome."

Paul’s sharp criticisms stood out among Republicans. However, Lindsey Graham, the senator from South Carolina, warned of potential problems if Trump follows through with his plan to transform into "the Riviera of the Middle East” and to deploy US troops to stabilize the war-torn region “if necessary."

“We’ll see what our Arab friends think about that,” Graham said, according to Politico.

“I believe that many South Carolinians would likely oppose sending Americans to take control of Gaza. That could be an issue, but I will remain open-minded."

He remarked that Gaza “would pose challenges for Americans stationed there."

Josh Hawley, Missouri’s Republican senator, also adopted a "wait and see" approach.

“I’m not convinced that spending a large amount of U.S. resources in Gaza is the best approach; I would rather see those funds used within the U.S. first. However, I’m open to seeing what unfolds," he stated.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who stated he hadn't heard Trump’s comments, remarked: "We're all interested in finding a solution for the Middle East, especially given the current situation in Gaza,” according to Politico.

"Finding the best way to achieve that is worth discussing," he continued.

Trump’s statement surprised many Republican politicians, such as North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis.

“There’s probably a couple of kinks in that Slinky, but I’ll have to look at the statement,” he said.

"That's unlikely to take place. I can't see any scenario that would be sensible, even for Israel. If Israel seeks US support to prevent Hamas from repeating their actions, I'm on board. However, the idea of us taking charge feels a bit far-fetched."

In the meantime, two of Trump’s most enthusiastic supporters in Congress, South Carolina’s Nancy Mace and North Carolina’s Richard Hudson, shared their backing on X.

“Let’s transform Gaza into Mar-a-Lago," Mace wrote, referencing Trump’s luxurious Florida club and resort, which he often calls his winter White House.

“President Trump will continue his efforts to achieve historic and lasting PEACE!” wrote Hudson.

SERGEY LAVROV | THE UN CHARTER SHOULD BE THE LEGAL BASIS FOR A MULTIPOLAR WORLD

Eighty years after the historic Yalta Conference, Russia’s long-serving chief diplomat reflects on its legacy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York City. © Sputnik / Sputnik

By Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
HomeWorld News
5 February 2025

On February 4, 1945, leaders of the victorious World War II powers—Soviet Union, United States, and United Kingdom—met at the Yalta Conference to outline the post-war world. They concurred to eliminate German Nazism and Japanese militarism. The agreements were later confirmed and expanded at the Potsdam Peace Conference in July-August 1945.

Key outcomes of the negotiations included creating the United Nations and adopting the UN Charter, the principal source of international law. The Charter's purposes ensure peaceful coexistence and nations' development. The Yalta-Potsdam system upheld sovereign equality, meaning no state could claim dominance; all are formally equal, irrespective of territory, population, or military power.

Despite its debated strengths and weaknesses, the Yalta-Potsdam order has provided a legal framework for the international system for eight decades. This UN-centered order has prevented another world war. As one expert said, “The UN has not led us to paradise, but it has saved us from hell.” The veto power in the Charter is a responsibility for global peacekeeping, safeguarding against unbalanced decisions and allowing for compromise based on interests. As the cornerstone of the Yalta-Potsdam system, the UN is the only platform for collective responses to global challenges, maintaining peace, and fostering development.

At the UN, the Soviet Union facilitated historic decisions that shaped today's multipolar world. The 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries, initiated by the USSR, marked a turning point as many oppressed peoples gained independence and the chance to build their nations. Today, some former colonies are becoming power centers in this multipolar landscape, while others engage in regional and continental integration.

Russian scholars note that international institutions primarily limit states' natural egoism. The UN exemplifies this with its complex rules in the Charter, which was adopted by consensus.

The UN-centered order is rooted in universal international law,
which all states must respect.

Russia upholds this principle, whereas the West, influenced by exceptionalism and neocolonialism, struggles to cooperate respecting international law. Former US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland claimed the Yalta agreements were unfavorable for the US and should not have been ratified, illuminating Washington’s post-war actions as American elites viewed the Yalta-Potsdam system as a troublesome limitation.

The West revised the post-war order after Churchill’s 1946 Fulton speech, initiating a Cold War with the Soviet Union. The Yalta-Potsdam agreements were seen as tactical concessions, not binding commitments. Consequently, the US and its allies did not fully embrace the principle of sovereign equality in the UN Charter.

The Soviet Union’s collapse gave the West a chance for caution. However, driven by Cold War triumph, President Bush declared a new world order in 1990, emphasizing American supremacy and ignoring UN Charter boundaries.

Washington’s actions in Eastern Europe illustrate this ‘rules-based order,’ with explosive consequences evident in the Ukraine conflict.

Read more
Faith in the Trenches: Why the Russian Army Needs More Military Priests

The multipolar era

In 2025, a Republican administration led by Donald Trump has intensified revisionism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the post-war world order as obsolete, claiming the ‘rules-based order’ no longer aligns with US interests. His ‘America First’ rhetoric echoes 20th-century chauvinism and resembles the Hitler-era slogan ‘Deutschland uber alles’. Moreover, the call for ‘peace through strength’ threatens diplomacy and disregards Washington’s obligations under the UN Charter.

This is no longer 1991 or 2017 when Trump first entered the scene. Demographic, economic, social, and geopolitical conditions have shifted. Russian analysts assert, “There will be no return to the old state of affairs.” The US must accept a new role as one of many global power centers alongside Russia, China, and emerging Global South powers. Meanwhile, the new US administration will likely test the limits of the existing unipolar system regarding American interests. However, this administration will soon discover that international reality is more complex than the simplified ideas used in speeches to domestic audiences and loyal geopolitical allies.

In anticipation of this change, let us work with partners to adapt mechanisms for establishing interstate relations in a multipolar world. The Yalta-Potsdam order is a reliable framework for international cooperation, embodying sovereign equality, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution. The Kazan Declaration from the BRICS Summit on October 23 reflects the unified stance of many states, reaffirming commitment to international law and the UN Charter’s principles and purpose, preserving the UN's central role in the international system. This approach is supported by leading states representing much of the global population. Our partners from the South and East have legitimate aspirations for global governance and, like us, are ready for honest discussions on all issues.

Russia’s commitment to international law

We advocate for the UN Security Council reform to enhance democracy by representing the global majority, especially from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We support Brazil and India for permanent seats while addressing historical imbalances in Africa, as agreed by its nations. Adding more seats for the already overrepresented Collective West is counterproductive. Germany and Japan, which have ceded much sovereignty and are reviving nationalism, do not offer fresh perspectives to the Council's work.

We support the UN Security Council’s permanent members. Given the unpredictable actions of the Western minority, the veto is essential to ensure the Council’s decisions represent all interests.

Read more
Fyodor Lukyanov: Why global powers can’t agree on a New World Order

Western representatives in key positions still dominate the UN Secretariat's staffing, which offends the global majority. Aligning the UN bureaucracy with the world's geopolitical map is urgent. The BRICS Kazan Declaration addresses this need. It remains to be seen how receptive the UN leadership, focused on Western interests, will be to this change.

The UN Charter's framework addresses the needs of the multipolar era, emphasizing respect for sovereign equality, non-interference, and self-determination, as stated in the 1970 UN Declaration on International Law. These principles require all to honor the territorial integrity of governments representing their populations. Since February 2014, the Kyiv regime has not represented the residents of Crimea, Donbas, and Novorossiya, akin to Western powers’ neglect of colonized peoples.

Crude attempts to reshape the world for personal interests, violating United Nations principles, can lead to instability and catastrophic scenarios. The current conflict suggests that rejecting the Yalta-Potsdam system, centered on the UN and its Charter, will result in chaos.

Many believe it’s inappropriate to discuss the desired world order while fighting continues against the fascist regime in Kyiv, backed by the ‘Collective West.’ We disagree. The Allies discussed post-war order based on the UN Charter during WWII, including at the Moscow and Tehran Conferences in 1943 and Yalta and Potsdam in 1945. Although the Western Allies had hidden agendas, this doesn’t diminish the critical principles of the Charter: equality, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and respect for all rights– regardless of race, gender, language, or religion. The West may have violated these principles in places like Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, and Ukraine, but that doesn’t absolve the US and its allies from moral and legal responsibility or diminish the legacy of the UN’s founders enshrined in its Charter.

God forbid someone rewrites it now to eliminate the ‘outdated’ Yalta-Potsdam system. The world would lack common values.

Russia is prepared for collaborative and sincere efforts to
align interests and reinforce the legal foundations of international relations.

President Putin’s 2020 initiative to convene the permanent members of the UN Security Council sought equal dialogue on global issues. Progress has stalled due to uncontrollable factors, but we remain hopeful despite potential changes in participants and formats. As the Russian president stated, a return to the UN's foundational purpose and Charter principles should guide international relations in a multipolar era.

This article was first published by Russia in Global Affairs and translated and edited by the RT team.

ANALYSIS | TRUMP IS BACK AS THE ISRAELI RIGHT'S SAVIOR, BUT HIS PROMISES OF A GAZA RIVIERA ARE UNREALISTIC

After Trump's remarks, Netanyahu can persuade far-right hardliners that completing the hostage deal is crucial, with larger goals of defeating Hamas and transferring Gaza's population now on the agenda.

US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 5, 2025. Credit: Afp/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds.

By Amos Harel
Haaretz | Israel News
5 February 2025

Donald Trump – angel or devil?

Following the Israeli right wing's responses to the U.S. president's moves can be dizzying.

Before the election, he was "our righteous messiah.' After, when he pressured Netanyahu to sign the hostage deal, they labeled him a dangerous traitor. Now, Trump is again seen as the savior king, history's greatest friend to the Jews.

Predicting Trump's moves is challenging, and interpretation can be difficult. However, some patterns emerge: he enjoys surprising others, often creating confusion first; he casts himself as a source of original, innovative solutions and seeks praise and recognition for his ideas and actions.

Netanyahu energetically flattered him after their White House meeting.

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BUILDING THE BRIDGE! | A WAY TO GET TO KNOW THE OTHER AND ONE ANOTHER

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Photo Credit: Abraham A. van Kempen, our home away from home on the Dead Sea 

By Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor
Updated 19 January 2024

Those who commit to 'healing our broken humanity' build intercultural bridges to learn to know and understand one another and others. Readers who thumb through the Building the Bridge (BTB) pages are not mindless sheep following other mindless sheep. They THINK. They want to be at the forefront of making a difference. They're in search of the bigger picture to expand their horizons. They don't need BTB or anyone else to confirm their biases.

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Accurate knowledge promotes understanding, dispels prejudice, and awakens the desire to learn more. Words have an extraordinary power to bring people together, divide them, forge bonds of friendship, or provoke hostility. Modern technology offers unprecedented possibilities for good, fostering harmony and reconciliation. Yet its misuse can do untold harm, leading to misunderstanding, prejudice, and conflict.

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