Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammed Saleh, General Manager of Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations, participated in the fourth session, titled “The Middle East Facing New Balances,” at the 16th Al Jazeera Forum, “From the War on Gaza to Change in Syria: Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East,” held on 15/2/2025, in Doha.
At the start of his remarks, Saleh questioned Trump’s intentions regarding the Gaza Strip (GS). Does he have the power to take control of it and displace the Palestinians? What is he truly seeking with such proposals? Is it an attempt to obscure the restructuring of the establishment or the deep state within the US? Or is it an attempt to politically blackmail the Palestinians and neighboring Arab countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan, by making excessive demands only to later settle for what he truly wants, as if making sacrifices? Or is it simply an effort to dampen the joy of victory in GS, especially after the resistance successfully imposed its conditions? Or is it simply a case of ignorance and arrogance? or an attempt to rebrand Arab regimes as oppositional and heroic while protecting their national security—ultimately positioning them for a major role in Gaza’s rehabilitation?
Saleh discussed Trump’s narcissistic and unpredictable personality, noting that he exhibits the mindset of a real estate tycoon and represents the persona of an evangelical Christian regarding the future of Palestine. He also highlighted Trump’s combative nature, though he does not seek war. Saleh emphasized that, when analyzing Trump’s personality in the future context of the region and potential settlements, it becomes clear that he conflates three key issues: first, market calculations and mentality; second, strategic considerations for managing the region; and third, the higher human values through which he perceives the region.
He added that there is a lack of distinction in the way people think between the homeland, with its sanctity and independence, and mere property such as farms, barns, or real estate. There is significant disregard for the nature of Palestine’s land—its sanctity, civilization, heritage, history and the deep connection of its people to it, as well as their willingness to sacrifice and establish roots there. Moreover, there is a failure to differentiate between the highest human values of freedom, equality, justice and dignity, and the market values of buying, selling and ownership. There is either a lack of awareness or a deliberate disregard for the fact that the Israeli occupation neither owns nor controls GS. Despite fighting five wars in the Strip and imposing a 17-year siege, Israel has been unable to control it. Several displacement projects have been proposed, all of which have failed. On what grounds, then, does Trump seek to claim ownership of the Strip?
Saleh pointed out that the US administration and Israelis are promoting the idea that Israel has won the war. In reality, however, Israel has failed to achieve any of its stated objectives. It has not crushed the resistance or Hamas, nor has it occupied GS. Israel has failed to free the prisoners, secure the future of GS, or protect the Gaza envelope. It has also failed in its attempts to displace Palestinians and implement settlement programs. Furthermore, Israel is suffering from significant damage to its military and economy, facing reverse migration, with the situation continuing to worsen. Meanwhile, the resistance, backed by the steadfastness and heroism of the people, has paid a heavy price for its resilience.
Saleh added that all the solutions currently on the table prioritize solving the Israeli side’s problems, rewarding the Israeli occupation, and punishing the victim by disregarding the free will of the Palestinian people, leading to their displacement. Furthermore, these solutions exclude the main forces that represent the will of the Palestinian people. He emphasized that the solution is not to eliminate the resistance, but for everyone to acknowledge the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and respect their will. He also stressed that the resistance forces, having demonstrated their effectiveness, must be seen as the Ummah’s bulwark, a key source of its dignity, and the primary defense for Arab national security, which is under threat from issues like displacement and other challenges unsettling the Arab regimes. He emphasized that the principle is to align with, support, and rely on the resistance, rather than distancing oneself from it. Weakening the Arab environment would only open the door for greater Israeli-Zionist encroachment.
Saleh concluded by stating that the most likely scenario is that the Arab environment will adopt a form of soft rejection of Trump’s plans, aiming to absorb his impulses and gradually defuse them, while avoiding direct confrontation with him. However, they will never attempt to override the will of the Palestinian people or the overarching principles that reflect their spirit.
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