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Steve Witkoff, a key negotiator in securing the Gaza ceasefire, is reportedly stepping back from the Trump administration to refocus on his business ventures, according to two anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Witkoff’s departure could cast uncertainty over the implementation of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, which includes ambitious goals such as Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s reconstruction, and the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic government. Despite Trump’s announcement of a ‘board of peace’ to oversee Gaza, questions linger about the administration’s commitment, particularly in holding Israel accountable to the ceasefire terms following the high-profile peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. During the summit, Witkoff hinted at his involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction, emphasizing collaboration with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and advisor. However, the White House has denied reports of Witkoff’s departure, stating he has no plans to step down. Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer with no prior diplomatic experience, was appointed by Trump to mediate conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. His business acumen and ties to Trump enabled him to navigate complex negotiations, earning praise from Arab officials who preferred his approach over traditional diplomats. Witkoff’s personal connection to the region, including his empathy for the loss of a Hamas official’s son, has been a driving force in his diplomatic efforts. Yet, his family’s business ties to the Gulf have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. As Witkoff’s role in the administration remains under scrutiny, the future of Trump’s peace initiatives hangs in the balance.

The recent summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, aimed to solidify and celebrate the Gaza ceasefire agreement. However, the conspicuous absence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed sent a strong message: the Gulf Arab heavyweights were unwilling to let Egypt take center stage. According to sources from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, their no-show was a deliberate move to prevent Cairo from claiming undue credit for the deal. Egypt has historically played a pivotal role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly in mediating conflicts involving Israel and Gaza. Yet, its recent actions—or inactions—during Israel’s blockade of Gaza’s Rafah crossing, which exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, have drawn criticism. At home, Egypt has also suppressed expressions of solidarity with Palestinians, further complicating its stance. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as the region’s wealthiest nations, are expected to shoulder much of Gaza’s reconstruction costs. Both countries argue that their financial contributions warrant a greater role in shaping Gaza’s future. The tension reflects deeper ideological divides, with both Gulf nations viewing Hamas as a threat to their own political stability. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, in particular, sees Hamas’s religious and populist appeal as a challenge to his liberalizing reforms. The UAE, long opposed to political Islam, fears Hamas’s survival could embolden similar movements. The absence of Gulf leaders at the summit underscores the growing fragmentation within the Arab world, as nations grapple with balancing public anger over Gaza, skepticism of US-led initiatives, and the need to maintain Western alliances. The summit, intended to showcase Egypt’s leadership, instead revealed unresolved rivalries and a lack of unified Arab support.

For two years, Amer Ali, a resident of Aden in southern Yemen, actively participated in protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 68,000 casualties. Ali viewed these demonstrations as a moral obligation to oppose what the United Nations and genocide scholars have labeled as genocide. However, his commitment to the cause has been shaken by recent signals from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Yemen’s primary separatist movement, indicating a willingness to normalize relations with Israel. Ali, a long-time supporter of southern secession, now finds himself at odds with the STC’s controversial stance. The STC, which has gained significant military and political influence since 2016 with support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), controls much of southern Yemen. STC leader Aidarus al-Zoubaidi recently suggested that an independent southern state could pave the way for normalization with Israel, a move that has sparked widespread outrage across Yemen. Critics argue that such a decision would betray the Palestinian cause, which holds deep significance for Yemenis. Despite the STC’s claims that normalization could bring international recognition and stability, many Yemenis, including Ali, reject the idea outright. ‘Building ties with Israel to advance our cause is a grave misstep,’ Ali stated. ‘History will remember the STC as the first entity in Yemen to declare readiness to normalize relations with Israel.’ The STC’s alignment with the UAE, a signatory of the 2020 Abraham Accords with Israel, has further fueled suspicions that the council is prioritizing foreign interests over local sentiment. Political commentators like Sadam al-Huraibi argue that the STC’s pursuit of normalization is a strategic move to gain global legitimacy, but it risks alienating its base and undermining its long-term goals. As tensions rise, the STC’s controversial stance on Israel threatens to deepen divisions within Yemen’s already fractured political landscape.

In a significant parliamentary exchange, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unequivocally stated that the slogan ‘internationalise the intifada’ is a direct incitement to violence against Jewish communities worldwide. This declaration came in response to Conservative MP Julian Lewis’s inquiry, which sought clarity on the interpretation of the phrase often chanted at pro-Palestine demonstrations. Starmer’s firm stance marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the boundaries of protest rhetoric and its implications for community safety. The Prime Minister’s comments follow the government’s introduction of stricter protest regulations, aimed at mitigating the impact of frequent demonstrations on local communities. These measures, however, have sparked widespread criticism, with detractors arguing that they infringe upon the fundamental right to free expression. The controversy is further compounded by the recent classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, a move that has drawn scrutiny from Europe’s top human rights official. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has emphasized the need for robust legal frameworks to address hate speech and crimes, ensuring that perpetrators face stringent legal consequences. This unfolding scenario underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding civil liberties and protecting communities from hate-fueled violence.