Palestine Issue: What Role Did Donald Trump Play?"
The Palestine Issue: What Role Did Donald Trump Play?
The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the most protracted and deeply rooted geopolitical issues of the modern era. At the heart of this conflict lies a century-long struggle between Palestinians seeking self-determination and statehood and Israelis asserting their right to security and a homeland. The role of international actors, especially the United States, has been crucial in shaping the trajectory of this conflict. One of the most controversial and impactful U.S. leaders in this context has been Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States.
Trump’s foreign policy took a sharp turn from the traditional U.S. approach to the Middle East. While previous administrations aimed—at least in principle—to maintain a semblance of neutrality in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Trump’s administration openly favored Israel, with several key actions that reshaped the regional balance. To understand the implications of Trump’s role, it’s essential to examine the key decisions and policies that his administration undertook regarding the Palestine issue.
1. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
One of Trump’s most consequential moves came in December 2017 when he officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced plans to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv. This decision was a major break from decades of U.S. foreign policy and international consensus, which held that Jerusalem’s status should be determined through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
Jerusalem is a city of profound religious and historical significance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim it as their capital. By recognizing the entire city as Israel’s capital, Trump effectively dismissed Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem, which they envision as the capital of a future Palestinian state. This move was widely condemned by the international community, sparked protests across the Muslim world, and further strained U.S.-Palestinian relations.
2. Cutting Aid to Palestinian Institutions
Another key aspect of Trump’s policy was his decision to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees. He also slashed direct aid to Palestinian hospitals and development programs in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Trump’s administration justified these cuts by arguing that the aid did not promote peace and that the U.S. was disproportionately bearing the financial burden. However, critics argued that these cuts deepened the humanitarian crisis in Palestinian territories and reduced America’s influence in the peace process.
3. Closure of the PLO Office in Washington, D.C.
In 2018, Trump’s administration ordered the closure of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington, D.C. This office had served as the official representation of the Palestinian Authority in the U.S. and was a critical diplomatic channel. The closure was viewed as another step toward delegitimizing the Palestinian leadership and sidelining their voice in international diplomacy.
4. The Abraham Accords
Perhaps the most widely publicized diplomatic achievement of the Trump administration in the Middle East was the brokering of the Abraham Accords. Under this initiative, several Arab states—most notably the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco—normalized relations with Israel. Trump hailed these agreements as a historic step toward peace.
While the accords marked a significant diplomatic shift, they did not address the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In fact, many Palestinians felt betrayed, viewing these deals as a form of normalization without resolution. The Abraham Accords shifted the regional dynamics, aligning several Arab nations more closely with Israel while sidelining Palestinian interests.
5. The “Deal of the Century”
In January 2020, Trump unveiled his long-awaited Middle East peace plan, dubbed the “Deal of the Century.” Crafted primarily by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, the plan proposed a two-state solution but was heavily skewed in favor of Israeli interests. It recognized Israeli sovereignty over large parts of the West Bank and offered Palestinians a state with limited sovereignty and fragmented territory.
The plan was rejected outright by Palestinian leaders, who were not involved in its formulation. They criticized it as an attempt to legitimize Israeli occupation and erase Palestinian national aspirations. Most international observers also dismissed the plan as unworkable and lacking legitimacy due to its unilateral nature.
6. Impact on the Ground
Trump’s policies had tangible consequences on the ground. By emboldening the Israeli government, they paved the way for increased settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—areas considered occupied under international law. His administration’s declaration that Israeli settlements were not inherently illegal reversed decades of U.S. policy and further undermined prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
On the Palestinian side, Trump’s approach fueled disillusionment and despair. The U.S., once seen as a potential mediator, was now viewed as an adversary. The diplomatic isolation and financial pressure contributed to worsening living conditions, particularly in Gaza, already reeling from blockades, wars, and economic stagnation.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's role in the Palestine issue marked a dramatic departure from traditional U.S. diplomacy. His administration aligned itself closely with Israeli policies, sidelined Palestinian voices, and reshaped the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. While his supporters argue that Trump brought "realism" to the peace process and facilitated historic agreements through the Abraham Accords, critics contend that his actions exacerbated tensions, deepened Palestinian suffering, and moved the region further away from a just and lasting peace.
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