Dr. Hassan Ayoub: The leadership’s communication with the Trump administration is important, but within a clear position that rejects attempts to impose solutions such as the “Deal of the Century”

Khalil Shaheen: The Palestinian issue will remain on the margins of Trump’s priorities, and his policy may be an extension of the Deal of the Century

Dr. Hussein Al-Deek: The Palestinian cause will face serious challenges under the second Trump administration and its support for annexation

Dr. Dalal Erekat: Trump’s vision may aim to establish a Palestinian entity that is consistent with Israel’s economic and security interests

Dr. Jamal Harfoush: Trump’s orientations may bring about changes in the balance of power in the region and put the Palestinians in front of fateful challenges

As US President-elect Donald Trump's second term approaches, radical changes are looming on the horizon at the regional and international levels, as his expected policies have serious repercussions on the Palestinian cause.

In separate interviews with “I”, writers, political analysts, specialists and university professors indicate that the features of Trump’s foreign policy are based on the influence of multiple circles of influence, most notably the growing influence of Christian Zionism within his administration, the regional adaptation of Arab countries to his policies, and his approach to imposing “peace by force.”

They point out that these policies could lead to the legitimization of the Israeli annexation of large parts of the West Bank, and reinforce the geographical and political separation between Gaza and the West Bank, which threatens to liquidate Palestinian rights.

On the Palestinian side, writers, analysts, specialists and university professors stress the need to confront these challenges through strategic steps that begin with unifying the national ranks and investing in international and legal platforms to establish Palestinian rights. They also stress the importance of building strong relations with global powers that support Palestinian rights and pressuring Arab countries to assume their responsibilities away from narrow interests.

President Trump's policies are shaped by three main circles

The writer, political analyst and specialist in American affairs, Dr. Hassan Ayoub, believes that the features of the policies of President-elect Donald Trump are shaped according to three main circles that will determine his positions towards the Palestinian issue and the region in general.

Ayoub explains that the first circle of influence by Trump’s policies is “Christian Zionism” and its influence on the Trump administration, as the unprecedented growth of its influence, whether through prominent figures who hold this ideology or its control over both houses of Congress, will make the Trump administration an administration that supports Israel in an unprecedented way. This support will extend to include strengthening the occupation’s policies, including the legitimization of annexation and the expansion of settlements, and imposing new facts that greatly threaten the two-state solution, which deepens the gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and eliminates any hope of achieving peace.

The second circle of influence on Trump’s policies, according to Ayoub, is regional trends and the adaptation of Arab countries, as the countries of the region, especially the Gulf states and Egypt, have abandoned the idea of confronting Washington’s policies, and have instead moved to adapt to them.

Ayoub points out that these countries seek to please the Palestinians with useless formal measures, such as verbally supporting the two-state solution, while opening the door to normalization with Israel wide open.

Ayoub highlights the danger of these policies, which include an implicit acceptance of the annexation of the West Bank and the separation of the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian territories.

Ayoub points to the third circle, which controls Trump’s approach and his administration’s tendency toward what is known as “peace of power,” which exploits regional data to impose a political settlement based on the minimum of Palestinian rights.

Ayoub believes that the US administration, led by Trump, is seeking to implement the “self-rule enclaves” model, whereby Palestinians are confined to isolated areas without any sovereign rights, while promoting the idea of a “Gaza State” as part of this plan. This model will perpetuate the geographical and political separation between Gaza and the West Bank.

Ayoub stresses that the only way to confront this difficult stage is to build a unified Palestinian position, which seems unattainable in light of the ongoing political division.

Ayoub believes that the Palestinian leadership, represented by the PLO, must take practical steps that include launching an integrated project for popular, diplomatic and legal work, which mobilizes the public energies internally and internationally to confront American and Israeli policies.

Ayoub stresses the need to publicly embarrass some Arab regimes and push them to assume their responsibilities towards Palestinian rights, and not to be satisfied with slogans and refusing to pressure the Palestinian Authority to accept unfair settlements.

He points to the importance of enhancing recourse to international forums by accelerating steps in the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to confront the occupation's policies.

Ayoub believes that the Palestinian leadership's communication with the new US administration led by Trump is important, but within a clear and explicit Palestinian position that rejects any attempts to impose solutions similar to the "Deal of the Century."

Ayoub warns of the danger of adapting to the Trump administration and handing over pre-accredited papers at the expense of Palestinian rights, believing that the waiting position that the Palestinian leadership is currently experiencing is the most dangerous, because it gives the occupation and the American administration an opportunity to establish new facts.

Ayoub stresses that steadfastness in rejecting unfair projects, such as the “Deal of the Century,” remains the best option, warning that any new concession could lead to greater losses in the long run.

The Middle East is undergoing geopolitical transformations that are taking shape.

Writer and political analyst Khalil Shaheen believes that the second term of US President-elect Donald Trump may carry a continuation of some of the policies of his first term, but it will be conditional on regional geopolitical changes, especially in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, in addition to relations with China and Iran.

According to Shaheen, the Middle East is undergoing geopolitical transformations that are taking shape, as a result of regional wars, especially the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the Israeli intervention in southern Syria, and attempts to weaken Hezbollah in Lebanon. These changes will cast a shadow over the priorities of the Trump administration, as Israel will be the primary beneficiary of these changes, as it seeks to enhance its geopolitical and economic gains through coordination with the US administration.

Shaheen believes that Trump will prioritize domestic issues, such as strengthening the American economy and deporting immigrants. Externally, his policy will focus on confronting China, by escalating the economic war and imposing harsh tariffs on Chinese products. Trump will also try to reduce the role of NATO, demanding that European countries bear a greater share of financial and military obligations, which could weaken the European Union.

Shaheen believes that the Palestinian issue will remain on the margins of Trump's priorities, as his policy may be an extension of the Deal of the Century launched by his first administration, but with minor modifications that take into account the new facts at best, without resolving the Palestinian issue from a political standpoint.

According to Shaheen, Trump will focus on promoting normalization between Israel and Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, on economic grounds rather than political solutions.

It is believed that the Trump administration will seek to continue Israeli military operations in Gaza, in line with Netanyahu's interests, in parallel with establishing a fait accompli in the West Bank, including expanding settlements and reducing Palestinian sovereignty, while strengthening Israeli sovereignty.

According to Shaheen, the Trump administration may support Israeli projects in the northern Gaza Strip and annex the area to the occupying state.

Meanwhile, Shaheen believes that Trump's strategy to confront China economically intersects with Israel's plans to continue its military control over parts of the Gaza Strip, especially northern Gaza, which is being subjected to displacement and total destruction, and may in the future be one of the corridors of the Indian road project to the Mediterranean Sea, and the main goal is to block the Chinese "Belt and Road" project, and to ensure Israeli and American hegemony over regional projects.

Shaheen stresses that the Palestinians need a unified national strategy to confront these challenges, stressing the need to achieve Palestinian national unity and end the political division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and implement what was agreed upon in the recent Beijing Agreement, including forming a national consensus government and reviving the PLO.

Shaheen stresses the need to reject separatist ideas by confronting any proposals to form an administrative committee in Gaza separate from the Palestinian Authority, because they may perpetuate separation and serve American and Israeli plans.

Shaheen stresses the need to adopt policies that protect the Palestinians and support them in the face of settlement and aggression, as well as working with Arab countries to reject normalization without a just political solution, strengthening relations with countries that oppose American hegemony, such as China and Russia, and working to prevent the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.

Internal obstacles may affect Trump's smooth entry into the White House

The writer and political analyst specializing in American affairs, Dr. Hussein Al-Deek, believes that the second term of US President Donald Trump, which will begin in two weeks, will witness major political transformations on the domestic and foreign levels, with direct effects on the Palestinian issue.

Al-Deek points out that there are internal American obstacles that may affect Trump’s smooth entry into the White House, most notably the anticipation of the New York court issuing a ruling against Trump on the tenth of this month, despite the fact that the ruling is not expected to include any type of arrest or detention against Trump.

Al-Deek points out that Mike Johnson, Trump’s nominee for Speaker of the House, faced great difficulties in obtaining the support of Republican representatives, despite the party’s majority in the House, and Trump’s personal intervention to convince representatives, which led to a re-vote and the election of Johnson, which reflects the possibility of internal opposition within the Republican Party, which may lead to complicating Trump’s relationship with Congress, especially in light of the accusations directed at Johnson of excessive flexibility with the Democrats.

According to Al-Deek, despite the Republicans’ control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, passing major bills, such as the budget, requires consensus between the two parties. Passing the budget requires, specifically, 60 votes in the Senate, which is not available to either party, which may impose temporary political agreements.

On the other hand, Al-Deek believes that Trump will focus in his second term on economic issues and international strategy, while continuing his confrontational approach.

Al-Deek refers to Trump's threat to impose customs duties on Canada and the European Union, and his controversial statements about the possibility of annexing Canada as a US state or purchasing the island of Greenland from Denmark.

Al-Deek notes that Trump will continue to try to end the war in Ukraine in ways that reduce US commitments, while focusing on containing China amid rising tensions over Taiwan and the ongoing trade war.

In the Middle East, Al-Deek explains that Trump's second term will witness unprecedented support for Israel, while regional conflicts continue to be fueled.

He stresses that the Palestinian cause will face serious challenges under the second Trump administration, as the Trump administration is expected to support the plan to annex Area C, which constitutes 60% of the West Bank, to Israel, in implementation of pledges made by Trump to Jewish donors in his election campaign.

According to Al-Deek, the Trump administration will work to obstruct Palestinian moves at the United Nations and international courts, and is expected to exert pressure on the International Criminal Court to halt investigations into Israeli war crimes, including attempts to withdraw arrest warrants issued against Netanyahu and Israeli officials.

As for the aggression on the Gaza Strip, Al-Deek explains that the Trump administration will continue its absolute support for Israeli policies in Gaza, including military operations aimed at destroying Hamas’s military capabilities and ensuring continued Israeli control. Trump may push for a temporary truce during which Israeli and American prisoners will be released.

Meanwhile, Al-Deek points out that the Palestinians need comprehensive strategic steps to confront the upcoming challenges, calling for rebuilding the institutions of the Palestine Liberation Organization through new elections that include the Palestinian National Council, with the participation of Palestinians at home and abroad.

Al-Deek proposes declaring Palestine a state under occupation, which would hold the United Nations responsible for administering the occupied territories and increase international pressure on Israel.

Al-Deek points out that the PLO can adopt an international administration model similar to East Timor, whereby the United Nations will administer the Palestinian territories until the end of the occupation.

Al-Deek stresses the need to end the Palestinian division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to form a national unity government that represents all Palestinian factions.

Al-Deek stresses the importance of strengthening relations with friendly countries and pressuring the international community to confront American and Israeli policies seeking to liquidate the Palestinian cause.

Dr. Dalal Araikat, Professor of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at the Arab American University, confirms that changes in US administrations directly affect US foreign policy, especially with regard to the Palestinian issue.

Erekat explains that these changes are not driven by the realization of Palestinian rights, but rather by the aim of supporting Israel without conditions, which was evident in previous administrations, especially the previous administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Erekat points out that Trump's entry into the White House represented the adoption of a more rigid approach in supporting Israel, with a clear tendency to ignore international laws.

She explains that this approach could lead to a more obvious bias towards Israel, and undermine any attempts to revive the traditional peace process.

Erekat points out that the Palestinians may face more political and economic pressure under the Trump administration, which is focused on imposing unbalanced solutions that aim to achieve purely Israeli gains at the expense of Palestinian rights.

Erekat believes that Trump is seeking to achieve specific goals in the region, including reaching an agreement in Gaza aimed at releasing Israeli prisoners held by Hamas.

Erekat points out that this scenario may have a positive side for the Palestinians, represented in stopping the bloodshed in Gaza and allowing humanitarian aid to enter, but in return it keeps dealing with the Palestinian issue within an economic, security and humanitarian framework, far from just political solutions.

Erekat warns that Trump, after recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and imposing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, may abolish the term “West Bank” and adopt the language of the extreme right by using the term “Judea and Samaria.”

Erekat points out that this trend may translate practically into support for the Israeli annexation policy, even if Trump does not explicitly announce it.

Erekat asserts that the Trump administration may continue to undermine any international efforts to support the Palestinian cause, including Saudi and French initiatives, by marketing “deals” based on an economic vision and new borders, without regard to political rights or UN resolutions.

Erekat points out that the likely scenario may include deepening the internal Palestinian division, as the Trump administration may exploit this division to weaken the Palestinian position in any future negotiations. The Trump administration may also work to promote a scenario of complete political separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, through a deal that includes a ceasefire and the release of Israeli prisoners.

Erekat believes that Trump may pressure the international community, especially European countries and international organizations, to end their support for the Palestinians.

Erekat points out that this pressure may aim to close major files, such as the refugee issue, and end the role of UNRWA, with the aim of relieving Israel of its historical responsibilities towards these issues.

Erekat pointed out that Trump seeks to achieve his dream of being known as the "peacemaker" in the region, by concluding economic deals aimed at improving political relations in the Middle East.

Erekat stresses that these deals may completely deviate from the concept of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, which is the solution adopted by the Palestine Liberation Organization based on international legitimacy.

Erekat believes that Trump's vision may aim to create a Palestinian entity that is consistent with Israel's economic and security interests, without providing the Palestinians with their political rights or achieving human justice.

Erekat stresses the need for the Palestinians to prepare proactively to deal with Trump’s approach, suggesting that President Mahmoud Abbas form a Palestinian team that includes figures who enjoy broad popular and organizational acceptance, with the aim of communicating with the Trump administration and the Gulf states.

Erekat explains that this team must be efficient, knowledgeable, and able to negotiate pragmatically, while adhering to a clear political reference based on national rights.

Erekat calls for adopting a multilateral diplomatic strategy to strengthen relations with influential countries in the international arena, such as the European Union, China, and Russia.

Erekat stresses the importance of investing in the international media to present the Palestinian narrative in an open and realistic language, highlighting human justice and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Erekat stressed that intensifying media efforts using modern tools represents an effective means of confronting American policies biased towards Israel, stressing that the current situation requires the Palestinians to overcome internal divisions and work to build a unified front capable of facing challenges.

She points out that achieving this goal requires a comprehensive national vision based on democratic partnership and effective communication with the international community to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause in the face of attempts at marginalization and exclusion imposed by the Trump administration and its policies.

Dr. Jamal Harfoush: Trump’s biased tendencies towards Israel may cause radical changes in the balance of power in the region and put the Palestinians in front of fateful challenges

Professor Dr. Jamal Harfoush, Professor of Scientific Research Methods and Political Studies at the University of the Academic Research Center in Brazil, believes that Trump’s orientations, known for their bias towards Israel, may bring about radical changes in the balance of power in the region and put the Palestinians before fateful challenges.

Harfoush explains that Trump, who is known for his close relations with influential Jewish circles in the United States, adopts a pragmatic approach that combines achieving his personal interests with serving the agendas of his main allies, most notably Israel.

Harfoush believes that Trump may push policies that strengthen Israel's expansionist positions at the expense of Palestinian rights, which portends dangerous shifts in the regional scene.

Harfoush points out that Trump may work to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move that would deal a devastating blow to Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem and undermine any hope for a two-state solution.

According to Harfoush, Trump may support settlement expansion by giving Israel the green light to accelerate settlement construction, which deepens the occupation and threatens the possibility of establishing a geographically contiguous Palestinian state.

He points out that Trump may seek to reduce international support for the Palestinians by disrupting the role of international institutions, such as UNRWA, tightening the financial and diplomatic noose on the Palestinians, or imposing the “deal of the century” that ignores basic Palestinian rights and focuses on superficial economic solutions that serve Israeli interests without achieving justice for the Palestinian people.

Harfoush believes that the Trump presidency may witness an escalation in other issues related to the Middle East, such as trade and political relations with China and Iran, which may lead to indirect effects on the regional situation. In addition, the Trump administration may adopt domestic policies that promote economic nationalism and populism, which may rearrange the United States’ foreign priorities in a way that serves its own interests at the expense of human rights issues and world peace.

Harfoush asserts that these trends will put the Palestinian cause at risk of marginalization, as the US administration seeks to reformulate the political situation in the region in a way that serves Israel's agenda.

Harfoush stresses the need for Palestinians to adopt a conscious and thoughtful policy to confront the repercussions of Trump’s presidency by strengthening national unity and ending the Palestinian division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and working to unify political and popular efforts under a unified strategy that enables Palestinians to confront challenges.

Also, according to Harfoush, resorting to international legitimacy by continuing to approach the international courts and institutions, and activating the decisions that condemn the Israeli occupation and enhance Palestinian rights.

Harfoush points to the need to build Palestinian alliances by working to strengthen relations with global powers, such as China, Russia, and the European Union, to ensure strong international support in the face of American bias toward Israel.

Harfoush confirms that among the plans to confront any policies of the Trump administration against the Palestinian cause is the escalation of popular and diplomatic resistance and the activation of peaceful popular resistance movements against the occupation and settlements, in conjunction with intensive diplomatic campaigns aimed at exposing the policies of the Israeli occupation and its supporters.

Harfoush points to the importance of strengthening Palestinian steadfastness by supporting Palestinians in areas threatened with confiscation, especially in Jerusalem and the West Bank, by providing material support and infrastructure to enhance their survival on their land.

Harfoush stresses the importance of investing in international media by exploiting international media outlets and social media platforms to convey the Palestinian narrative in a professional and effective manner, focusing on human justice and legitimate rights.

Harfoush believes in the importance of addressing American society by building a strong Palestinian lobby in cooperation with Palestinian and Arab communities in the United States, to pressure Congress and the American administration and change public opinion.