标签： North America

A senior Hamas official has indicated to the BBC that the group is poised to reject former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza, labeling it as heavily skewed in favor of Israel while neglecting Palestinian interests. The official emphasized that Hamas is unlikely to comply with the plan’s key condition of disarming and surrendering their weapons. Additionally, the group opposes the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, viewing it as a potential new form of occupation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already endorsed Trump’s plan following White House discussions on Monday, but Hamas has yet to issue an official response. Qatar’s foreign ministry has noted that Hamas is currently reviewing the proposal ‘responsibly.’

Hamas’s military commander in Gaza, Ez al-Din al-Haddad, is reportedly determined to continue fighting rather than accept the plan. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders outside Gaza have found themselves increasingly marginalized in negotiations due to their lack of direct control over hostages. The ongoing discussions, expected to last several days, also involve other Palestinian factions, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which has already rejected the plan. A major sticking point for Hamas is the requirement to release all hostages at once, effectively eliminating their primary bargaining chip.

Despite Trump’s backing, there is widespread skepticism that Israel will halt military operations post-hostage release, especially following a recent assassination attempt on Hamas leadership in Doha. Further complicating matters, a map shared by the Trump administration suggests a planned buffer zone along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, raising concerns about Israeli involvement. Netanyahu’s recent statements, including a video on X, have also contradicted the plan’s terms by insisting on continued Israeli military presence in Gaza and opposing Palestinian statehood.

Within Gaza, many Palestinians support the plan solely for its potential to end the war, despite its perceived flaws. Resident Khadar Abu Kweik expressed this sentiment, stating, ‘The American plan has bad clauses, but I support it because it will stop the war and get rid of Hamas.’ Palestinian journalist Fathi Sabah warned that a Hamas rejection could embolden Netanyahu to continue the conflict with Western backing, further devastating Gaza. The Israeli military’s campaign in Gaza, launched in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, with recent UN reports confirming famine and allegations of genocide.

In a significant move under President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies, the United States has initiated the deportation of 120 Iranian nationals. Hossein Noushabadi, an official from Iran’s foreign ministry, confirmed the development in a statement to the Tasnim state news agency. He revealed that the individuals, many of whom entered the US illegally via Mexico, are set to return to Iran within the next one to two days, with their repatriation facilitated through Qatar. Notably, some of the deportees held valid US residency permits, and US authorities reportedly sought their consent for the process. Noushabadi emphasized the need for the US to respect the rights of Iranian migrants under international law. This deportation marks the first phase of a broader agreement between Iran and the US, which aims to repatriate approximately 400 Iranian nationals. The collaboration is particularly noteworthy given the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, with negotiations conducted through the US Interests Section at the Pakistani embassy in Tehran. The Trump administration has been actively pursuing deportation agreements with various countries, including recent deals with Panama and Costa Rica to accept hundreds of African and Asian migrants. President Trump has consistently vowed to curb immigration and deport individuals residing in the US without legal status, including those from countries with contentious human rights records. However, the deportation of Iranian nationals has sparked criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that migrants face potential harm upon return. Iran’s human rights record has also come under scrutiny, with UN experts highlighting a sharp increase in the use of the death penalty this year. While the Iranian government defends its practices as targeting only severe crimes, human rights groups dispute this claim, further complicating the ethical implications of the deportation program.

In an unprecedented gathering, U.S. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to address hundreds of top military officials at Marine Corps Base Quantico near Washington, D.C. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, has drawn significant attention due to its unusual scale and the sudden summoning of military leaders from across the globe. While no official reason has been disclosed, Vice-President JD Vance has dismissed the event as routine, despite widespread speculation. Security measures at the 55,000-acre base are exceptionally stringent, reflecting the high-profile nature of the summit. The stage for the address is adorned with a large American flag and banners emblazoned with the words ‘strength, service, America,’ alongside the flags of various armed services. In a statement on Sunday, Trump described the meeting as an opportunity to discuss the military’s achievements and foster a sense of unity among the troops. He emphasized the positive nature of the discussions, aiming to boost morale and reinforce the military’s readiness. However, some experts, including Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, questioned the necessity of an in-person gathering, suggesting virtual alternatives could have been more efficient. Hegseth, known for advocating a ‘warrior ethos’ and rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War, likely views the event as a critical moment to strengthen his message. The summit is expected to draw over 800 attendees, including senior officers from Europe, South Korea, and the Middle East, many of whom have served in key conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq. The audience also includes senior enlisted officers, who play a pivotal role as advisers to commanding officers. This rare assembly underscores the administration’s focus on military strength and unity, even as it raises questions about its broader implications.

In a high-profile announcement at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the protracted war in Gaza. Trump hailed the proposal as a historic milestone, potentially ushering in “eternal peace in the Middle East.” However, the plan, while ambitious, remains a framework for further negotiations rather than a detailed roadmap to resolution. The proposal marks a significant shift in the Trump administration’s stance on Gaza’s post-war future and increases pressure on Netanyahu to accept a deal. Key elements include a ceasefire, limited Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the establishment of a technocratic administration in Gaza overseen by a U.S.-led “Board of Peace.” The plan also vaguely references Palestinian statehood, contingent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority. While Arab nations view the proposal as a breakthrough, Hamas remains skeptical, with one figure criticizing its failure to safeguard Palestinian interests. Netanyahu’s domestic opponents also question his commitment, citing his history of derailing deals for political gain. The plan’s success hinges on overcoming longstanding obstacles, including Hamas’s demands for Israeli withdrawal and Netanyahu’s coalition’s resistance to concessions. The proposal, crafted by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, draws on previous diplomatic efforts, including the Saudi-French plan and Tony Blair’s involvement. Despite its lofty goals, the plan’s ambiguity leaves room for both sides to exploit negotiations, potentially stalling progress. As the world watches, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, with the response from Hamas and Netanyahu’s government likely to determine the plan’s fate.

The United States is on the brink of a government shutdown as bipartisan negotiations have reached a stalemate, with neither Republicans nor Democrats showing willingness to compromise. A recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders yielded no progress, further entrenching both sides in their positions. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats of ‘hostage-taking,’ while Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the ‘very large differences’ between the parties. Republicans advocate for a short-term extension of current spending levels, while Democrats demand an end to unilateral spending cuts by the Trump administration and a renewal of health-insurance subsidies for low-income individuals. The impasse reflects deeper political strategies, with Republicans positioning themselves as the reasonable party and Democrats leveraging healthcare as a key issue. Complicating matters, some Republicans appear unfazed by the prospect of a prolonged shutdown, viewing it as an opportunity to implement long-term spending reductions. Democratic leaders, however, see this as a bluff and remain steadfast under pressure from their base. The looming shutdown is a test of political will, with both sides weighing the potential fallout. The last major shutdown during Trump’s first term lasted 35 days, setting a record and causing widespread disruption. As tensions escalate, the outcome remains uncertain, with both parties seemingly prepared for a protracted battle.