Trump’s Return: A Dark Era For Gaza And Palestinian Rights

Prepared by Abdullah Bamusi Nankumba

Trump’s Return: A Looming Crisis for Gaza and Renewed Empowerment for Israeli Settlements

With US President-elect Donald Trump poised to take office again in January, a dire future loom for Palestinians. His anticipated policies could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and fuel the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. For Palestinians, Trump’s return represents not just a continuation of support for Israeli aggression but a further rollback of any progress made under the Biden administration.

Trump’s First Term: A Precedent of Unchecked Aggression

During his first term, Trump’s administration effectively demolished longstanding US policies that had, at least nominally, held Israel to account for its occupation of Palestinian lands. In a move that shocked many, Trump reversed the US stance on Israeli settlements, declaring them no longer illegal under international law. The Biden administration’s efforts to reimpose sanctions to curb settlement expansion were met with Trump’s vows to undo such measures. This shift signals a terrifying future for Palestinian homes, lands, and lives, as Trump’s administration may once again champion the unchecked growth of illegal Israeli settlements.

The appointment of Mike Huckabee, a staunch evangelical with deeply partisan views on Israel, to the role of US ambassador to Israel, only amplifies these concerns. Huckabee, who dismisses the concept of a “West Bank” and adopts biblical language referring to the area as “Judea and Samaria,” aligns with Israel’s far-right and provides legitimacy to their unlawful practices. His denial of Israeli occupation and statements calling settlements “communities” reflects the ongoing erasure of Palestinian existence and rights. These developments point to a future where Israel’s expansionist policies are emboldened and Palestinians’ rights become even more disregarded.

Gaza: A Humanitarian Catastrophe in Waiting

Under Trump’s previous administration, Israel was emboldened to launch devastating military operations in Gaza, with little consequence. As Gaza continues to struggle under an ongoing blockade, frequent airstrikes, and a collapse of infrastructure, Trump’s policies could make this humanitarian crisis even worse. The United Nations has warned that Gaza is on the brink of becoming uninhabitable, with civilians already living in dire conditions. As one aid worker, Sarah Mohammed, grimly noted, “Every bomb, every blockade only brings more misery. Under Trump, we saw unprecedented violence; now, we’re bracing for even worse.”

The massacre of innocent Palestinian civilians — especially women and children — is likely to escalate under a Trump-led administration, furthering the suffering of a people already living under the harshest conditions imaginable. These policies, while endangering lives in Gaza, will also signal to the international community that human rights, particularly those of Palestinians, are secondary to political and ideological interests.

Settlements: Expansion Without Boundaries

Trump’s previous term saw open US support for Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank. With his return, settlements are expected to proliferate, further displacing Palestinians from their homes and encroaching on their remaining land. The rhetoric of figures like Huckabee, combined with Trump’s likely policies, will undoubtedly lead to a surge in settlement construction. This would eliminate any hope of a viable two-state solution and fuel the ongoing cycle of violence.

The Palestinian displacement resulting from such expansion will be catastrophic, and the international community’s ability — or unwillingness — to prevent this from happening will be closely scrutinized. These policies will only fuel resentment, despair, and resistance within Palestinian communities.

A Global Wake-Up Call

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has mobilized Muslim communities worldwide, especially those in solidarity with Palestinians. Protests and demonstrations in countries such as South Africa and Malawi reflect the growing dissatisfaction with governments that fail to take a strong stance against Israel’s illegal activities. In Malawi, a peaceful demonstration in Mangochi District urged President Lazarus Chakwera to reconsider Malawi’s support for Israel in the UN. This call is echoed in other nations where Muslim communities demand that their governments act in defense of Palestinian rights.

These actions serve as a global wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in foreign policy and a commitment to justice for the oppressed people of Palestine. But as Trump’s return promises further alignment with Israel’s right-wing agenda, the question remains: will the international community rise to the challenge, or will it remain complicit in the continued suffering of the Palestinian people?

Conclusion: The Gaza Massacre and a Call for Justice

As President-elect Trump prepares for his return to office, the world braces for even darker times for Palestinians. The Gaza massacre, already catastrophic, has seen more than 44,000 Palestinians — including innocent women and children — lose their lives in the ongoing violence. Trump’s policies will likely fan the flames of this crisis, emboldening Israeli actions that have long been condemned by the international community. The suffering of the Palestinian people, already at unprecedented levels, will only worsen unless the global community takes a strong stand for justice, demanding an end to Israeli occupation and support for Palestinian rights. The stakes are higher than ever — for Palestinians, this is a fight for survival.