By Minhaj Gumma, News Editor
On Jan. 28, President Donald Trump announced the political blueprints of the “Peace to Prosperity” plan he presented to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a White House ceremony. Trump claimed that the plan will commence a pact between Israel and Palestine. Upon this news, Palestinian authorities decided to cut ties with the U.S..
Civil disruption in the region dates back to the 1920s when both Palestine and Israel claimed ownership over the British-controlled land. The animosity between the two self-determined establishments of Palestinians and Zionists stems from the ongoing conflict of mutual recognition, settlements, and right of return.
“Foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, among others, said there could be no peace without recognizing Palestinian rights and a comprehensive solution,” Rueters writer Omar Fahmy said. “[Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas also said he had refused to look at the plan or talk to Trump on the phone about it to avoid giving the U.S. president the ability to claim Abbas had been consulted.”
The “Peace to Prosperity” plan would allow Israel the benefit of proceeding with their settlements as well as appropriating Palestine. Palestinians were given indeterminate assurance of statehood that they were told would come at a later, unspecified date.
“While I do support Israel, I don’t think it is appropriate to cut ties with Palestine, as they are still a region governed by an autonomous state,” senior Nicholas Lopes said.
Many individuals who are directly affected believe that this plan will only perpetuate the ongoing issues concerning the Palestinian people.
“The so-called peace plan completely disregards Palestinian sovereignty. No plan that Donald Trump will make with Israel would ever benefit Palestinians,” senior Meriam Shanti said. “Any effect this plan would have would be disastrous on the Middle East and the relationship with Palestine.”
In response to this plan, Abbas has denounced any relations with the U.S., refusing to cooperate with any decisions that the U.S. makes.
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