Donald Trump’s Remarks on Gaza Spark Tensions with Arab-American Supporters | US News
The head of a coalition that successfully encouraged Arab-Americans to support Donald Trump has criticized the new president for his remarks regarding Gaza made over the weekend.
“Arab-Americans for Trump categorically rejects President Donald J Trump’s proposal to relocate – either voluntarily or forcibly – Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan,” stated Dr. Bishara Bahbah, the national chair of Arab Americans for Trump.
This statement marks an early indication of friction with a vital voter segment that played a crucial role in helping President Trump secure victory in November.
A significant number of Arab-Americans in regions such as Michigan were instrumental in Mr. Trump’s triumph. Narrow margins in cities like Dearborn and Hamtramck were pivotal for his success.
For better accessibility, please use Chrome browser for video player
In November, Dr. Bishara Bahbah was excited about Donald Trump’s electoral win
The statement, issued late Sunday and labeled an “urgent press release,” declared: “We firmly believe that a two-state solution is the ONLY way to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict… Arab Americans for Trump appreciates the President for enforcing a ceasefire in Gaza.”
“We anticipate the President and his team will focus on rebuilding Gaza and initiating the process that would lead to establishing a Palestinian state that coexists peacefully with Israel.”
Dr. Bahbah, a Palestinian native who has built a successful career in the United States, was crucial in persuading Arab-Americans to cast their votes for Mr. Trump.
He mobilized a network of influencers in an effective “ground game” throughout the campaign to rally support for the President.
He has previously mentioned to Sky News that President Trump personally promised a two-state solution and that he believes the president has a “contract” with the Arab-Americans who supported him.
“Mr. President, we have a contract….” he remarked. “We fulfilled our part of the contract by voting for you. We are with you to ensure your administration honors its commitments.”
Residents of Gaza hope for permission to return to the northern portion of the strip. Pic: Reuters
Over the weekend, President Trump suggested that Gaza may need to be “cleared out” and that Palestinians could be relocated to Jordan or Egypt.
“I’d like him to take people,” the president commented, referring to his discussion with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Saturday.
“You’re talking about a million and a half people, and we just resolve the whole situation. You know, throughout the century, it’s faced numerous conflicts. And I believe something needs to change… I’d like Egypt to take people,” Mr. Trump added, mentioning that he intends to discuss it with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Read more from Sky News:
Trump and Starmer have a phone conversation
Rebels take a key city in DRC
Hamas announces new hostage releases
The degree to which Arab-American populations voted for Trump was significantly influenced by the Biden administration’s approach to the Gaza conflict.
The recent ceasefire in Gaza had been interpreted as an initial affirmation of their voting choice, but has quickly lost support following Mr. Trump’s remarks on Sunday.
As with many policies and decisions, President Trump’s perspective appears to be guided by a transactional outlook.
Dr. Bahbah believes that President Trump understands that achieving regional stability and peace necessitates a resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution, and Mr. Trump perceives an opportunity for a legacy-defining victory in Middle East peace.
Nevertheless, the events of the past week have demonstrated that American foreign policy can change quickly, often hinging on appealing transactional proposals or the influence of those who manage to be the last one to speak with the president.
