President Donald Trump has begun blowing his trumpet sooner than expected. Less than a month into office, he has been issuing Executive Orders on practically every issue. These orders outnumber those of past presidents in their first hundred days. They concern the status of transgender individuals, the withdrawal of the U.S. from the UNHRC and UNRWA (which provides aid, health, and education services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan), a review of aid to UNESCO, and comments on the functioning of the UN. His threats to impose higher tariffs on imported goods and his controversial remarks about taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal are likely to provoke displeasure and significant repercussions. His negative rhetoric is well known by now. However, being shrewd, he has resisted the temptation to issue any statement on the Russia-Ukraine war, China, or North Korea.
Takeover of Gaza Strip
One of Trump's decisions regarding the Middle East is particularly hasty and devoid of any human consideration. It reflects his arrogance. His recent proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and create a "Riviera of the Middle East" after resettling Palestinians elsewhere has not only shattered U.S. policy in the region but has also sparked worldwide condemnation.
Trump wants Palestinians to immediately leave their land and move to "nice homes" in Egypt and Jordan. But how can Palestinians do so when they have fought a 75-year-long struggle for their homeland?
Rebuke & Condemnation
This proposal immediately drew strong rebuke from Russia, China, and Germany. Critics argue that it would lead to new suffering and hatred. Saudi Arabia rejected the idea outright, with many labeling it a form of "ethnic cleansing."
Apparent Israeli Interest
Reports suggest that the proposal was discussed while welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Trump and his team have claimed (?) that they had been consulting with Jordan, Egypt, and other regional countries.
However, Jordan's King Abdullah has rejected any attempt to annex land and displace Palestinians. Egypt has also stated that it would support Gaza’s recovery but without Palestinians being forced to leave their territory.
Legislators from both U.S. political parties, including some of Trump's strong allies in the Senate, have already expressed their opposition. NATO is also unlikely to support the plan.
Two-State Solution
World leaders continue to support the two-state solution, which has been the foundation of U.S. policy in the region for decades. It asserts that Gaza should be part of a future Palestinian state, alongside the occupied West Bank.
Protests from Palestinians
The displacement of over two million people from their homeland would be catastrophic. The situation is already being compared to the Nakba—the 1948 mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians.
Palestinians have outrightly rejected Trump’s proposal. "Trump can go to hell with his ideas," said one Palestinian. "We are the owners of this land," said another. A woman remarked, "Trump is crazy." Another Palestinian added, "You helped Israel destroy our homes in the first place. You must rebuild them."
Reactions from Other Islamic Countries
Jordan’s King Abdullah has firmly rejected any land annexation and displacement of Palestinians. Egypt has maintained that it will support Gaza’s recovery without forcing Palestinians to leave. The Palestinian Ambassador to the UN mockingly suggested that if Trump truly wants Palestinians to go to a "happy, nice place," they should be allowed to return to their ancestral homes in Israel.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have also rejected any such transfer plans, with Saudi Arabia repudiating the proposal almost immediately.
Russia’s Viewpoint
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance that the only viable solution to the Middle East conflict is the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. This position aligns with the UN Security Council resolution and is supported by the overwhelming majority of nations involved in the issue.
Israel’s Further Move
After returning from Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel is willing to "do the job" of executing Trump’s plan for Gaza. He publicly hailed the idea, calling it "the first fresh approach in years" and claiming that it has the potential to change everything in Gaza. However, his rhetoric makes it seem as though he has suddenly become the "guardian" of a people his forces have long suppressed.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Chief of the Arab League, called Netanyahu’s remarks "unacceptable" and "completely detached from reality." Qatar also found Netanyahu’s statements to be provocative.
Given that Trump’s proposal is impractical and will likely ignite further unrest in the Middle East, it would be wise to observe how the situation unfolds.
Deportation of 104 Indians
There are approximately 18,000 Indians staying illegally in the U.S. Between October 2023 and September 2024, the U.S. deported more than 1,100 of them. In total, 15,700 Indians have been deported since 2009. Currently, 586 more Indians are on the U.S. deportation list, though details of only 298 individuals have been provided so far.
The deportation of illegal immigrants is not limited to Indians. The U.S. has also deported individuals to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. Interestingly, deportees sent to Colombia were returned, prompting the Colombian President to take the bold step of sending a civil aircraft to bring them back with dignity.
Despite these mass deportations, Trump has yet to comment on the status of illegal Chinese, European, or Mexican immigrants—who must exist in large numbers.
Miseries of Deported Indians
On February 5th, a U.S. military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indians landed in Amritsar after an 18-hour journey. The group included 72 men, 19 women, and 13 children. They were handcuffed, chained, and forced to use a single toilet for the entire flight. They hailed from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh.
Punjab’s Migrant Crisis
Six of the deported individuals were from Kapurthala, Punjab. Families in Punjab often invest generations of savings to send their young men abroad—sometimes through illegal and exploitative means. With 89% of Punjab’s farmers in debt, migration is often seen as an escape. However, Canada, which once welcomed Punjabi immigrants, has now started tightening its immigration policies.
Trump recently stated that these deportations are just the first phase. Punjab’s Minister for NRI Affairs has urged Prime Minister Modi to take up the matter with Trump, calling it a "very serious issue." The Indian government maintains that while it opposes illegal immigration linked to organized crime, it will accept verified Indian deportees who have overstayed or lack documentation.
Preventing Maltreatment
India has officially requested that the U.S. ensure deportees are not mistreated. Previously, deportations occurred via civilian aircraft with established procedures in place. However, as these individuals knowingly violated immigration laws, their return has sparked debate in Parliament.
Protests in Parliament
Opposition parties have disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings over the issue. The External Affairs Minister acknowledged that many deported individuals were subjected to inhumane working conditions. MPs demanded action against human traffickers and sought details on how many Indians are currently detained in U.S. centers and whether they have been provided consular access.
The images of deportees in chains and handcuffs have raised serious concerns. Some MPs even questioned whether the government would take steps to recover the assets of deported Indians from the U.S.
While initial outrage over Trump’s actions may subside, the issue remains pressing. Unless Prime Minister Modi addresses it directly during his upcoming visit to the U.S., the situation may lead to further hardship for Indians abroad. After all, remittances from Indians in the U.S. play a crucial role in India's economy, and turning back the clock on Indo-American relations is not an option.
(Views are personal)