Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel-Gaza War
With Donald Trump set to begin his second term as U.S. president, many civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon fear that their already fragile situation will deteriorate further. Trump’s close alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far right coalition could lead to intensified regional conflicts, threatening the hopes of Palestinians for self determination. Civilians like Abu Ali, a resident of Gaza, express distrust in U.S. policies, fearing that Trump’s return will worsen the violence in Gaza. Meanwhile, Abu Mohamad, also displaced in Gaza, sarcastically notes that Trump might favor mass deportation over the ongoing conflict.
Escalating Violence in Gaza and Lebanon
Since the October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel, Israeli counterstrikes, heavily supported by U.S. arms, have claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza. In Lebanon, Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah have displaced numerous residents and left entire areas in ruins. Many Lebanese, including Ali Saleem, see Trump’s return as a potential continuation or escalation of these conflicts, fearing that Trump may only support ceasefire terms beneficial to Israel. This has sparked concerns of increased regional instability and displacement in the months to come.
Shifting U.S. Policies on Palestinian Rights
During Trump’s previous term, his decisions, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and defunding the UN Palestinian aid agency, were viewed by Palestinians as attempts to undermine their claims to key territories and their right to return to their homeland. Human rights activist Tasame Ramadan highlights concerns that Trump may support Israeli annexations of parts of the West Bank, further diminishing the possibility of a Palestinian state. With many Palestinians feeling sidelined by Trump’s policies, activists prepare for renewed challenges to their calls for self determination.
Limited Confidence in U.S. Leadership for Middle Eastern Stability
Many Palestinians and Lebanese hold little hope for favorable U.S. involvement in their struggles, regardless of the administration in power. Activists, like Tasame Ramadan, feel that neither Trump nor his former election opponent, Kamala Harris, would champion their rights effectively. Past U.S. stances under both Democratic and Republican leaders have consistently leaned toward supporting Israeli interests, leaving Palestinians and Lebanese communities wary of any long term commitment to peace or regional justice from the U.S.
