During a meeting with the Irish Prime Minister, President Trump contradicted his previous proposal for a “Gaza Riviera,” a plan which involved a U.S. takeover and resettlement of Gaza’s population. This reversal explicitly denies any intention of expelling Palestinians. The earlier vision, presented during a meeting with Netanyahu, suggested a vastly different approach to the Gaza Strip. The shift in rhetoric represents a significant change in the proposed U.S. role in the region.
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Israel has cut off its electricity supply to Gaza, impacting desalination plants and potentially water and sanitation services, a move Hamas condemns as a “starvation policy.” This action follows the cessation of all goods to Gaza, intended to pressure Hamas to release more hostages in exchange for ceasefire negotiations. Despite ongoing mediation efforts, including US involvement, Hamas and Israel remain at an impasse regarding the terms of a lasting truce and the fate of the remaining hostages.
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Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland was vandalized by activists from Palestine Action, who painted “Gaza Is Not 4 Sale” on the grounds in response to Trump’s statements regarding plans for Gaza, including “cleaning out the whole thing.” The vandalism, which included damage to the greens and clubhouse, was described as a protest against the US administration’s alleged intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza and Trump’s rhetoric regarding the territory. Police are investigating the incident, while a resort spokesperson stated that the damage would not impact business.
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Pro-Palestinian activists, in protest of President Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population, vandalized his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, painting “Gaza Is Not For Sale” on the grounds. Palestine Action claimed responsibility, asserting the action demonstrates resistance to Trump’s perceived ownership of Gaza. Police are investigating the incident, while Trump Turnberry called the actions criminal but vowed minimal business disruption. The vandalism follows a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and Trump’s controversial resettlement proposal, which Palestinians have universally rejected.
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A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals a 13-point net disapproval rating for President Trump’s foreign policy, down significantly from a +2 rating in January. This decline stems from criticism of his handling of the Ukraine conflict and proposed actions regarding Gaza, drawing condemnation from both Democrats and some Republicans. Increased dissatisfaction is evident across party lines, with even Republican approval dropping from 79% to 75%. The shift coincides with growing public concern that U.S. foreign policy is heading in the wrong direction.
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Following direct US talks with Hamas in Doha—a departure from longstanding US policy—President Trump issued an ultimatum. He demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages and the return of murdered victims’ bodies, threatening dire consequences for Hamas’s refusal. This threat came after Trump met with freed hostages and despite ongoing, albeit undisclosed, negotiations facilitated by a US envoy. The ultimatum includes a warning to Gazans that harboring hostages will result in their deaths. A new ceasefire proposal, requiring Hamas to release some hostages, is under consideration.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan vehemently rejected a purported U.S. plan to seize Gaza, deeming it unrealistic and unsupported internationally, except by Israel and the U.S. He reiterated Turkey’s support for a two-state solution, criticizing Israel’s expansionist policies and urging Arab nations to adopt a stronger stance against them. Fidan also addressed regional concerns, including Syria’s territorial integrity and the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine, highlighting Turkey’s mediating role and humanitarian efforts. He emphasized that removing Hamas from Gaza wouldn’t solve the underlying issues stemming from Israeli occupation.
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A recent social media video from President Trump showcased an AI-generated vision for Gaza’s future, depicting its transformation into a prosperous “Riviera of the Middle East.” The 30-second clip contrasts images of Gaza’s current destruction with a promised future free from conflict and fear. An accompanying song reinforces this message of liberation under Trump’s leadership. The video’s dramatic shift emphasizes the potential for significant change and rebuilding in Gaza.
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The Grand Mufti unequivocally condemned the violence in Gaza as a blasphemy against Islam, directly contradicting Hamas’s actions and claims to represent the faith. He reiterated Islam’s inherent respect for all life, contrasting it sharply with Hamas’s violent extremism. This condemnation builds upon previous fatwas denouncing Hamas and other groups as terrorist organizations, highlighting a consistent rejection of violence in the name of religion. Al-Sheikh’s pronouncements offer a crucial counter-narrative to extremist interpretations of Islam, promoting peace and rejecting terrorism. His stance represents a significant contribution to the global effort against extremism.
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Hamas conducted a somber handover ceremony in Gaza, returning the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, and 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz. While Israeli authorities confirmed Lifshitz’s identity, confirmation regarding the Bibas family remains pending. The event, marked by Hamas propaganda and condemnation in Israel, saw the coffins transferred via the Red Cross to the Israeli military. The return of the bodies follows the release of other hostages under a January 2025 ceasefire, leaving a lingering sense of grief and unresolved issues for many.
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John Q. Hosedrinker