The missile hit a hair salon in the town of Beit Awwa, southwest of Hebron, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency WAFA reported. Thirteen people were wounded, including one in serious condition.

The Israeli military said its initial assessment indicated the strike was caused by a cluster munition, a type of warhead that disperses multiple smaller bomblets over a wide area, increasing the risk to civilians.

Iran has launched daily missile attacks toward Israel since the conflict escalated at the end of February, though there have been no prior reports of it deliberately targeting Palestinian areas in the West Bank.

Unlike most Israeli cities, where bomb shelters are widely available, Palestinians in the West Bank have limited access to protective infrastructure. Many rely on sirens from nearby Israeli settlements or cities for warning of incoming attacks.

The disparity in civil defence measures has heightened risks for civilians as missile exchanges intensify across the region.Rising toll amid regional warAt least 15 people have been killed in Israel since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering the current conflict.

The latest incident underscores the widening geographic and human impact of hostilities.The strike comes as streets across the West Bank have been crowded in recent days, with families preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

The Crown Prince stressed the importance of ending the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians, ensuring a complete Israeli withdrawal, and advancing peace efforts in line with the two-state solution.

The cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for ongoing regional and international initiatives aimed at strengthening global security and fostering sustainable peace.

Alongside international diplomacy, the council reviewed domestic initiatives focused on enhancing public services, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable growth.

Officials highlighted progress on government programs designed to deliver innovative solutions and benefit citizens across the Kingdom.

A key highlight was the launch of the King Salman Gate Project in Makkah, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at improving the experience for visitors to the Grand Mosque.

The project represents the Kingdom’s commitment to combining modern development with cultural and spiritual excellence.

Housing and real estate development were also central to the discussions. The cabinet reviewed strategies to expand housing supply, achieve market balance, and provide citizens with diverse housing options. These measures aim to attract investors, support urban growth, and enhance economic stability.

The council also celebrated Saudi Arabia’s recent achievements in education, rural development, and transport, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to innovation and global best practices.

The Saudi International Railway Exhibition and Conference further demonstrated this commitment, bringing together participants from over 20 countries and facilitating more than 50 agreements supporting the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.

The Crown Prince emphasized that these initiatives reflect a balanced approach, combining leadership in global humanitarian issues with tangible progress in national development.

By addressing urgent needs abroad and advancing infrastructure and housing at home, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance quality of life for citizens while reinforcing its international influence.

Officials underscored that these efforts align with Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development, economic diversification, and international collaboration.

By integrating domestic growth with diplomatic engagement, the Kingdom aims to maintain its role as a proactive and responsible global actor, driving progress on multiple fronts.

Saudi Arabia’s achievements in diplomacy, infrastructure, and innovation demonstrate its commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.

The government’s focus on both humanitarian leadership and domestic development exemplifies a forward-looking strategy that positions the Kingdom as a regional and international leader in governance, innovation, and social progress.

This duality—preaching unity while practicing duplicity—has become Pakistan’s diplomatic hallmark.

When the Taliban stormed into Kabul in August 2021, Pakistan’s powerful intelligence chief, Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, appeared at the Serena Hotel and assured journalists, “Everything will be okay.”

His confident smile captured Islamabad’s belief that decades of strategic maneuvering had finally paid off. Pakistan, long accused of nurturing the Taliban, assumed it would now wield decisive influence over its western neighbor.

Four years later, those hopes have turned to ashes. The Taliban’s rise, once hailed in Islamabad as a geopolitical triumph, has become a source of profound insecurity and humiliation.

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), emboldened by its ideological kin in Kabul, has unleashed a deadly insurgency across Pakistan’s tribal belt. Hundreds of Pakistani soldiers have been killed in cross-border raids. The Taliban, despite Pakistan’s past support, has refused to curb the TTP.

The so-called “strategic depth” has instead exposed Pakistan’s strategic shallowness. A state that once boasted of controlling its proxies now finds itself hostage to them. The illusion of regional mastery has dissolved into a grim reality: Pakistan is isolated, insecure, and rapidly losing credibility.

Weaponizing Refugees

Having failed to tame the Taliban, Pakistan turned its frustration toward Afghan civilians. In October 2023, Islamabad launched the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), targeting nearly 1.7 million undocumented Afghans. For decades, Afghan refugees had lived, worked, and raised families in Pakistan. Suddenly, they became scapegoats for Islamabad’s security failures.

By mid-2025, more than 600,000 Afghans had been deported in what international observers described as one of South Asia’s largest forced repatriations in decades. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch chronicled chilling stories of police harassment, arbitrary detentions, and family separations.

Pakistan justified the campaign as a counterterrorism measure, accusing Afghan refugees of harboring TTP militants. But analysts saw it differently: an act of political retribution against the Taliban regime. Kabul condemned the deportations as a breach of international law and accused Islamabad of deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian catastrophe.

This was more than just a border dispute—it was a symptom of Pakistan’s broader malaise. A state that once prided itself on being a refuge for the oppressed had turned into a place of fear and hostility. The moral cost of Islamabad’s Afghan policy was now unmistakable.

Airstrikes and Escalation

Pakistan’s response extended beyond deportations. Under the guise of pursuing TTP sanctuaries, it began conducting airstrikes inside Afghan territory.

In April 2022, bombings in Khost and Kunar killed 47 civilians, mostly women and children. Similar attacks followed in March and December 2024, targeting Paktika and Khost. In January 2025, fresh strikes were launched along the volatile Durand Line. Over a hundred civilians have died since 2021, according to regional monitors.

Each operation fuelled anger and anti-Pakistan protests across Afghanistan. The Taliban government condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty, accusing Pakistan of hiding its failures behind a counterterrorism narrative.

By 2025, Pakistan’s western frontier was once again aflame—only this time, without American troops to share the blame. The Afghan war that Islamabad once believed it had outsourced had come home, exacting both human and diplomatic costs.

Diplomacy as Deception

The crisis reached a symbolic peak in September 2025, when Islamabad hosted the “Towards Unity and Trust” conference under the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute.

Despite the event’s conciliatory title, the Taliban government was conspicuously excluded. Instead, the gathering featured anti-Taliban activists and politicians, turning what was billed as a dialogue into an exercise in diplomatic provocation.

Just days later, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif labeled Afghanistan an “enemy state”—a stunning reversal from Pakistan’s earlier rhetoric of “brotherhood.”

This diplomatic whiplash mirrors a deeper inconsistency at the heart of Pakistan’s foreign policy. It speaks of a nation perpetually caught between ambition and insecurity, between Islamic solidarity and realpolitik.

Even its domestic realities now echo this hypocrisy.

In early October 2025, a story broke that underscored how deeply investor confidence has eroded under the current administration. Out of 23 oil and gas exploration blocks offered for bidding, no local or foreign bids were received for 22. The only bid came from Mari Gas, and even that was for a small block with negligible output.

Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra, Pakistan’s opposition leader, wrote “investors know this is an illegitimate govt,” saying no company—foreign or domestic—was willing to invest in a country “without rule of law.” He accused the government of driving away foreign direct investment through arbitrary governance, economic mismanagement, and political repression.

This episode is emblematic of Pakistan’s larger credibility crisis. When even domestic energy firms shy away from state-backed ventures, the problem is not market dynamics—it is a collapse of trust. The same lack of accountability that defines Pakistan’s regional duplicity now poisons its economic foundations.

The Iran Paradox and the Palestine Hypocrisy

Pakistan’s double-dealing extends far beyond its Afghan misadventure.

In June 2025, Islamabad publicly condemned U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, declaring solidarity with Tehran. Yet, only days earlier, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir had met privately with Donald Trump, reportedly discussing “regional stability.” In a surreal twist, Pakistan went on to nominate Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, effectively undercutting its supposed alignment with Iran.

This duality—preaching unity while practicing duplicity—has become Pakistan’s diplomatic hallmark.

The same contradictions stain its stance on Palestine. While Pakistani leaders have long professed unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, history tells another story. During Black September 1970, Brigadier Zia ul-Haq, later Pakistan’s military ruler, helped Jordan crush the Palestine Liberation Organization, a massacre that claimed thousands of lives.

In July 2025, Pakistan awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz to U.S. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla, despite his role in coordinating American military support for Israel during its Gaza operations.

At the UN General Assembly’s 80th session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Daniel Rosen, head of the American Jewish Congress, signaling a quiet but unmistakable outreach to pro-Israel circles.

For a country that brands itself the guardian of Muslim causes, the hypocrisy is striking. From Amman to Gaza, Pakistan’s leaders have consistently traded principle for expediency.

A Consistent Inconsistency

Across every theater—Afghanistan, Iran, Palestine, and even its own energy sector—a single pattern emerges: Pakistan’s promises collapse under the weight of its own contradictions.

It seeks influence in Kabul but alienates Afghans through bombings and deportations. It pledges brotherhood with Tehran while courting Washington. It proclaims solidarity with Palestine while decorating America’s military commanders. And now, it claims to welcome foreign investment while creating an environment so lawless that even local companies refuse to bid.

In the end, Pakistan’s gravest betrayal is not of its neighbors, but of itself. The erosion of credibility abroad mirrors the decay of governance at home. As investors flee, allies distance themselves, and insurgents advance, the message is clear: a nation that manipulates every alliance eventually stands alone.

For decades, Pakistan’s generals and politicians have built policies on the illusion of control. The Afghan gamble was meant to cement regional influence; instead, it has exposed a state adrift, distrusted by friends and foes alike.

The “everything will be okay” optimism of 2021 now rings hollow. For Pakistan, everything is decidedly not okay—and the world, finally, has stopped believing its promises.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar and Egypt said they supported steps announced by Hamas, including the release of hostages — alive or deceased — and the group’s readiness to transfer administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian committee of independent technocrats.

The ministers also endorsed President Trump’s call on Israel to halt its military campaign and begin implementing an exchange agreement linked to the proposal. They described the US leader’s commitment to peace as “an opportunity to achieve a ceasefire and address the critical conditions facing the people of Gaza”.

The ministers urged the launch of immediate negotiations to agree on practical mechanisms for implementing the plan. They stressed the need for unrestricted humanitarian aid deliveries, the prevention of Palestinian displacement, and guarantees for the security of civilians.

The joint statement also called for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza and efforts to unify governance across Gaza and the West Bank.

The ministers underlined that any agreement must include a security mechanism to protect all sides, ensure a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and pave the way for reconstruction. They reiterated support for a “just peace” based on the two-state solution.

The statement marks a rare moment of regional alignment on Gaza’s future, though much depends on whether the proposal gains traction with Israel and key international stakeholders.

On board was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with 11 other crew members including Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament.

The vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), carried a modest consignment of humanitarian aid—baby formula and rice—intended for civilians in Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of looming famine and mass displacement following months of war.

Seized in International Waters

According to a statement by the FFC, Israeli forces boarded the vessel at around 2:00 a.m. local time while it was still in international waters. A dramatic image shared by the coalition shows crew members sitting with hands raised, illuminated by intense spotlights.

Israeli authorities later confirmed the interception, stating that the crew was unharmed and en route to the Israeli port of Ashdod. “The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ is safely making its way to Israeli shores. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries,” wrote Israel’s Foreign Ministry on X (formerly Twitter).

The ministry added that the activists were “provided with sandwiches and water,” before bluntly concluding: “The show is over.”

Detentions and Defiance

The crew has reportedly been detained for interrogation. Rima Hassan posted on X, “The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2 a.m.,” reaffirming their resolve by sharing the image of the crew’s detention.

In response, climate activist Greta Thunberg has yet to issue a direct statement, but supporters have called the seizure a blatant act of aggression against peaceful humanitarian efforts.

The Israeli Defense Ministry, however, defended the operation. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he had authorized the naval action to prevent what he labeled a “propaganda exercise supporting Hamas,” and confirmed that the intercepted aid would be routed through “official humanitarian channels.”

A Polarizing Mission

The Madleen’s voyage was never about scale—it carried only a symbolic amount of aid. But its intent was powerful: to highlight the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and challenge the legality and morality of Israel’s long-standing naval blockade.

Israel has enforced the blockade since 2007, after Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave. While Israel and its allies justify the measure as essential to preventing arms smuggling, critics argue it constitutes collective punishment against Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

The situation has worsened dramatically since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 250 individuals, according to Israeli sources.

In response, Israel launched a relentless military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians and displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s population, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

International Support and Condemnation

The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, voiced strong support for the flotilla’s efforts.

In a post on X, she wrote, “Madleen’s journey may have ended, but the mission isn’t over. Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza.”

Hamas condemned the seizure of the vessel, calling it “state terrorism” and saluting the activists for their “moral courage” and “solidarity with the oppressed.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed a provocative plan to show the detained activists videos of the October 7 Hamas attacks upon their arrival at Ashdod Port. “They need to see what they are defending,” he declared.

A Legacy of Flotillas

The interception of the Madleen echoes earlier flotilla efforts to challenge Israel’s blockade. The most infamous incident occurred in 2010, when Israeli commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish vessel, killing ten activists in an operation that strained Israel’s diplomatic ties with Turkey and ignited international outrage.

While this week’s operation ended without violence, it has once again exposed the raw tensions surrounding Gaza and the sharply diverging narratives around activism, security, and human rights.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said its mission is far from over. “We are not deterred. More ships will sail. The people of Gaza are not forgotten,” it said in a statement.

Aid Symbolism vs. Political Narrative

Though the Madleen carried only a symbolic quantity of aid, its interception has transformed it into a powerful political message. For supporters of Gaza, it represents solidarity against a prolonged humanitarian siege. For Israel, it is a line that cannot be crossed without invoking national security concerns.

This confrontation, once again, places the international community at a crossroads: should symbolic activism be embraced as a tool to spotlight suffering, or be condemned as a political stunt that complicates diplomacy and security?

Whatever the answer, the image of Greta Thunberg—more often associated with climate marches and UN podiums—being escorted by naval forces in a geopolitical flashpoint, has thrust the Gaza crisis back into the global spotlight.

Qatar has mastered the art of playing both victim and benefactor, using its immense wealth to bankroll global jihad while presenting itself as a progressive state.

For years, Qatar has skillfully played both sides of the geopolitical chessboard, presenting itself as a modern, progressive Gulf state while simultaneously acting as the primary financial hub for global jihadist movements. Despite its carefully curated image, Qatar has funneled billions of dollars into radical groups under the guise of humanitarian aid, enabling terrorism while avoiding serious repercussions from the international community.

Qatar’s Extensive Financial Reach

Qatar spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually on lobbying, PR campaigns, and political influence operations. Its financial influence extends to think tanks, universities, media organizations, and even K-12 education, ensuring its covert activities remain hidden. By embedding its ideology within education systems and funding institutions worldwide, Qatar has successfully shaped narratives in favor of its geopolitical ambitions.

In June 2024, journalist Christopher F. Rufo of Manhattan International exposed documents from the Portland Teachers’ Union, which encouraged over 4,500 members to “Teach Palestine!” The materials, sourced from various organizations—many partly funded by Qatar—were organized as a complete K-12 indoctrination guide. These educational resources aimed to instill an anti-American, pro-Islamist worldview in students, from kindergarteners being taught to protest to high schoolers perceiving the U.S. as a “terrorist state” and glorifying violent resistance as “revolutionary” or “freedom fighting”.

Additionally, the indoctrination program incorporated elements of “Queer” and “Sex Education”, tying them to the Palestinian cause. Even subjects like math were politicized, embedding lessons that linked equations to the Palestinian struggle. To mitigate potential emotional distress from learning about the so-called “genocide” in Gaza, teachers were provided with resources to help students cope with psychological trauma.

The Role of Al Jazeera in Propaganda

Qatar-funded Al Jazeera played a significant role in disseminating this educational content. The network, known for its pro-Palestinian bias, has long been accused of having ties to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Al Jazeera’s subsidiary, AJ+, has repeatedly failed to register under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), despite functioning as an overt propaganda tool.

Beyond merely supplying media content, Al Jazeera journalists have actively collaborated with Hamas operatives, ensuring Qatar’s ideological and financial support remains deeply embedded in global discourse. The network’s influence is so pervasive that it provides not only educational materials but also legal guidance for teachers facing pushback over the controversial curriculum they promote.

Qatar’s Decades-Long Infiltration of U.S. Public Schools

In addition to shaping narratives through nonprofit-backed teaching materials, Qatar has financially supported U.S. public schools for decades. The Qatar Foundation International (QFI), a Doha-based organization, has injected at least $30.6 million into public schools across the United States since its inception in 2009.

Investigative journalist Breccan F. Thies recently exposed Qatar’s extensive funding of K-12 education, with QFI financing Arabic language programs, teacher salaries, and school trips designed to push a pro-Qatar, pro-Palestinian narrative in American classrooms. Schools that accept QFI funding must report activities directly to Qatar and undergo oversight, including teacher evaluations conducted by Qatari officials. Some of these institutions even display maps that exclude Israel, labeling the region as “United Palestine”.

Beyond K-12 education, Qatar has also poured over $6 billion into elite U.S. universities—the same institutions where students today chant “Death to America” and “Globalize the Intifada”. By embedding itself within higher education, Qatar has successfully shaped anti-Western narratives and radicalized student activism against American interests.

Qatar: The Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism

Qatar has long been the world’s most prominent state sponsor of terrorism, funneling billions of dollars into jihadist groups under the pretense of humanitarian aid. Some of the most damning evidence includes:

• Financial backing for Hamas, which has received hundreds of millions of dollars from Doha.
• Hosting the Taliban’s political office in Doha while maintaining diplomatic relations with the U.S.
• Funding Al-Qaeda affiliates and providing safe harbor to their operatives.
• Sponsoring radical Islamist clerics who advocate for violence against the West.

Despite these activities, Qatar continues to operate under the guise of diplomacy, leveraging its financial power to maintain its reputation while simultaneously enabling terror organizations.

Qatar’s Role in the October 7th Massacre

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack against Israeli civilians, slaughtering innocent men, women, and children. As the world reeled in horror, Qatar’s response was to blame Israel—the very nation under attack. Instead of condemning Hamas, Qatar used its diplomatic channels to shield the terrorist group and ensure its survival.

Qatar has actively supported Hamas not only through funding but also by providing sanctuary for its leaders. The Qatari government advised Hamas to retain hostages as leverage, securing their position on the global stage. Additionally, Qatar’s state-funded media outlet, Al Jazeera, granted exclusive access to Hamas operatives, amplifying their propaganda while downplaying their atrocities.

The Depraved Hostage Negotiations

As bodies of murdered Israelis were returned, Hamas and Qatar played twisted games, using the dead as pawns in psychological warfare. Hamas handed over coffins filled with propaganda, some locked with keys that didn’t open, and in one of the most depraved acts, returned the body of an unknown person instead of the actual victim, Shiri Bibas.

The International Red Cross, instead of challenging Hamas’ manipulation, became complicit in these grotesque charades. In over 500 days, the Red Cross never once visited the hostages, failing in its duty to uphold humanitarian principles.

Why the West Allows Qatar to Evade Accountability

Despite overwhelming evidence of Qatar’s complicity in global terrorism, Western governments continue to turn a blind eye. The reasons are clear:

Economic Leverage: Qatar’s vast wealth, derived from its natural gas reserves, makes it a crucial economic partner for many Western nations.

Strategic Military Interests: The U.S. maintains its largest military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, in Qatar.

Media Manipulation: Qatar strategically invests in public relations to maintain its influence, controlling narratives through Al Jazeera and other outlets.

Qatar’s Ultimate Goal: Global Influence Through Media and Politics

Beyond funding terrorism, Qatar is deeply invested in controlling global narratives. The establishment of Media City Qatar (MCQ) is part of a broader strategy to position Doha as a dominant player in the global media ecosystem. This initiative allows Qatar to infiltrate Western media from within, shaping perceptions while deflecting scrutiny of its terror ties.

A prime example of Qatar’s deception was its recent interview with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Tucker Carlson. In a desperate attempt at damage control, the Qatari PM painted Qatar as a peaceful nation dedicated to humanitarian efforts. However, Carlson’s failure to challenge Doha’s role in enabling terrorism highlighted how Qatar has successfully manipulated even seasoned media figures into whitewashing its crimes.

Time to Hold Qatar Accountable

Qatar has mastered the art of playing both victim and benefactor, using its immense wealth to bankroll global jihad while presenting itself as a progressive state. This paradoxical strategy has allowed Doha to evade serious repercussions for far too long. It is time for the world to recognize Qatar for what it truly is: a terror state with blood on its hands.

The U.S. and its allies must take decisive action:

• Designate Qatar as a state sponsor of terrorism.
• Expel Qatari-funded entities from Western education systems.
• Sanction Qatari officials and freeze assets linked to terror financing.

The West can no longer afford to ignore Qatar’s duplicity. The time to act is now.

Article curated based on OSINT Leslie Kajomovitz.

The two leaders discussed regional stability, the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and ways to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the UAE and the United States, according to UAE state media.

During their talks in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed stressed the UAE’s commitment to a two-state solution as the only sustainable path to peace. He emphasized that efforts to rebuild Gaza must be directly linked to long-term stability in the region, warning that any expansion of the conflict would pose a significant threat to regional security.

Senior Emirati officials, including National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, were present at the meeting, highlighting the UAE’s high-level engagement on the issue.

The UAE has consistently called for de-escalation in Gaza and remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict. The country has also pushed for diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful resolution and prevent further humanitarian crises.

Prince Turki implores Trump to seize this moment in history and become the leader who finally delivers justice to the Palestinian people.

In a powerful letter, Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, a distinguished Saudi royal and former intelligence chief, has called upon former U.S. President Donald J. Trump to take a historic stand for Palestinian rights.

Prince Turki, a grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz and son of the late King Faisal, has long been an advocate for peace and justice in the Middle East. As chairman of the Riyadh-based Think-Tank King Faisal Foundation’s Center for Research and Islamic Studies, his influence in geopolitical affairs remains significant.

A Call for Justice and Recognition

In his letter, Prince Turki challenges the long-standing narrative that disregards Palestinian rights and history. He asserts that the Palestinian people are not illegal immigrants but rightful inhabitants of the land from which they were expelled.

He reminds Trump that the destruction of Palestinian homes by Israeli forces does not erase their history or claims to the land. He calls on the global community to recognize their suffering and support their right to rebuild.

Most of the people in Gaza, he explains, are refugees who were forcibly displaced during the 1948 and 1967 wars. If there is to be any discussion about moving them from Gaza.

Prince Turki insists that Palestinians should have the right to return to their ancestral homes in Haifa, Jaffa, and other cities from which they were expelled. He highlights the injustice of previous Israeli military assaults, which have left generations of Palestinians without a homeland.

Criticism of Western Complicity

Prince Turki does not shy away from condemning the role played by Western powers—particularly the United States and the United Kingdom—in the displacement of Palestinians. He argues that after World War II, instead of resettling Holocaust survivors within Europe, these nations facilitated the establishment of Israel on Palestinian land, leading to the dispossession and suffering of the indigenous population.

He references historical accounts, such as Diana Preston’s Eight Days at Yalta, which details a conversation between U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. According to this account, Roosevelt suggested that Saudi Arabia’s King Ibn Saud should accept six million Jewish refugees as part of a Zionist project, an idea that the king firmly rejected. Instead, King Ibn Saud proposed that Germany, as the perpetrator of the Holocaust, should provide the land for Jewish resettlement.

Prince Turki laments that Roosevelt’s successor, Harry Truman, ignored this perspective and supported mass Jewish immigration to Palestine, leading to the establishment of Israel in 1948. He identifies this decision, alongside Britain’s support of Zionist ambitions from 1917 onwards, as a root cause of the ongoing violence and unrest in the region.

A Path to Peace: The Arab Peace Initiative

Addressing Trump’s previously stated desire to broker peace in the Middle East, Prince Turki urges the former president to take decisive action by recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. He references key international resolutions—UN General Assembly Resolutions 181 and 194, and UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338—which affirm the Palestinian right to self-determination and outline the framework for a two-state solution.

Prince Turki underscores the Arab Peace Initiative, which has been endorsed by all Arab and Islamic countries as well as the Palestinian Authority. This initiative offers full recognition and peace with Israel in exchange for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He notes that 149 countries already recognize Palestine, urging the United States to become the 150th.

A Historic Opportunity for Trump

In concluding his letter, Prince Turki implores Trump to seize this moment in history and become the leader who finally delivers justice to the Palestinian people. He challenges the president to ensure that his legacy is one of peace, fairness, and reconciliation rather than conflict and division.

“Be remembered as the peacemaker.”

With these words, Prince Turki issues a powerful challenge—not just to Trump, but to all world leaders striving for lasting peace in the Middle East. His letter is a heartfelt reminder that real peace can only come through justice, recognition, and respect for everyone’s rights.

The region has endured decades of conflict, but the chance for peace is still within reach—if leaders choose to act with honesty and fairness. It’s a call to uphold human dignity and work toward a future where peace isn’t just a distant dream, but a reality for those who have suffered for far too long.

The leaders talked about recent developments in the region and how their countries can continue to work together. King Abdullah made it clear that Jordan firmly opposes any attempts to annex land or forcibly displace Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

He also stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire in Gaza, boosting humanitarian aid, and preventing further tensions in the West Bank.

Beyond the Palestinian issue, they discussed the need for ongoing cooperation between Jordan and Iraq to tackle regional challenges. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their relationship and addressing shared security and political concerns.

If Trump genuinely wants to broker a solution, he must listen not only to Israel but also to key Arab allies like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt.

The 47th American President Donald Trump’s suggestion to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians, presented as a peace initiative, has caused an uproar—just as he likely intended. But as Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan put it, “True security for Israel will come from recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

History has shown that sidelining Palestinian statehood from broader regional peace efforts only fuels more instability. Jordan and Egypt have had peace treaties with Israel for decades, yet Palestinians continue to suffer. The 2020 Abraham Accords expanded regional cooperation, but conditions in Gaza and the West Bank did not improve. Whether one blames Israel, Hamas, or both, the pattern is clear: Ignoring Palestinian aspirations has not led to peace.

A Palestinian state would serve multiple purposes. It would affirm Palestinian rights under international law, undermine Hamas and other extremist groups that use occupation as a rallying cry, and could even position Trump as a Nobel Peace Prize contender if he were to broker a deal. For Israel, it would resolve the dilemma of either maintaining an occupation or risking an apartheid-like system under a one-state solution.

Trump’s comments were widely interpreted—across the Arab world and beyond—as endorsing ethnic cleansing. Whether that was his intention or not, such rhetoric damages the U.S.’s credibility as a mediator and plays into the hands of global rivals like Russia and China. It also puts America’s regional allies in an awkward position, particularly those that signed the Abraham Accords in good faith, such as the UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia, the region’s most influential political and religious power, wasted no time in reaffirming that Palestinian rights are nonnegotiable.

It remains unclear whether Trump’s remarks were a serious policy proposal, a negotiation tactic, or mere bluster. Even within his own party, they have found little support. The White House has already moved to ease the backlash, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to reframe Trump’s words, claiming he only meant that those who wish to leave should be allowed to do so.

But peace won’t come from unilateral declarations. If Trump genuinely wants to broker a solution, he must listen not only to Israel but also to key Arab allies like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has spent years working on a viable two-state solution, with its foreign ministry leading significant diplomatic efforts under Manal Radwan. These efforts have the backing of European powers and a global coalition willing to do more than just talk. Implementing this vision could stabilize the region, enhance Israel’s security, and offer Palestinians a future beyond conflict.

Of course, critical questions remain: How will Gaza be rebuilt? Where will displaced Palestinians go in the interim? How can Hamas be prevented from regrouping, and Israel from further annexations? These are real challenges. But history shows that peace has never come easily—it requires bold steps. The first of those steps is recognizing Palestine as a state.