Trump’s act is starting to wear thin. He tried this same gambit a month ago and, despite what appeared to be a genuine threat, he did nothing. I think the latest dire threat is to divert attention from the fact that Mr. Witkoff is in Doha, Qatar talking directly to Hamas leaders. If Witkoff succeeds in extracting some concessions from Hamas, then Trump gets to take a victory lap by claiming his “tough talk” produced results. The reality will be otherwise — i.e., Witkoff succeeded by talking with Hamas.
While Witkoff is in Qatar, Israel is doing a lot of saber rattling and threatening to go back on the so-called offensive. The true term for it is, “genocide.” The Zionists and Trump share a bit in common when it comes to bombast and threats. While the Zionists continue to pretend that they crippled Hamas, the reality is otherwise. Hamas inflicted serious damage on the Israeli Occupation Force (IOF) and, thanks to the ceasefire, have had time to regroup and prepare for the next round of Zionist attacks.
I have seen a couple of media outlets report that Trump has rejected the Egyptian proposal for rebuilding Gaza but, until we get an official statement from the White House, I consider that more misdirection. Witkoff has shown he’s not afraid to talk to anyone and I am certain he understands that a harsh rejection of an Egyptian plan that has the backing of Jordan and Saudi Arabia risks alienating those countries and dashing Trump’s hopes of crafting a a peace deal for the region.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati has weighed in on the state of negotiations:
○ “Egypt, Qatar and the US have a responsibility to pressure Israel to start negotiations on the second phase.”
○ “The sincere efforts made by Egypt and Qatar succeeded in reaching a 3-stage agreement.”
○ “The first phase has been implemented so far, and there is still one party trying to evade its obligations.”
○ “There are obligations on both parties to the agreement, and they must implement their obligations, especially Israel.”
○ “Israel must implement its commitments to deliver aid and release the agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.”
○ “Egypt and Qatar are counting on the US role to work on implementing what has been agreed upon.”
So, we are again confronted with Donald Trump saying one thing in public and, apparently, doing the exact opposite behind the curtain. I hope for the sake of the Palestinian people that Trump is serious about doing a deal to secure a comprehensive peace. However, the Zionist settlers are so extreme that they are unlikely to accept any negotiated settlement. Wouldn’t it be sweet to see the Zionist crazies get the Zelensky treatment — i.e., a frustrated Donald Trump erupts at their intransigence and stubbornness. We can dream can’t we?
