As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as president of the United States in January, Palestinians and Lebanese civilians are worried about more suffering and violence.
Concerns in the Middle East
While millions of Trump’s supporters in the United States are celebrating his victory, many people in the Middle East feel anxious and fearful. In areas like Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon, there is growing concern that Trump’s strong support for Israel will push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government to intensify regional conflicts. This could further damage any hope for Palestinian self-rule.
Voices of the People
Abu Ali, an 87-year-old resident of Gaza who has already been forced to leave his home multiple times, shared his worries: “I have no trust in America. I expect the situation in Gaza to get even worse.”
Since the attacks led by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,139 deaths and 250 people being taken captive, Israel has responded with significant military actions in Gaza. These actions, using American-supplied weapons, have resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths and have forced nearly all 2.3 million residents of Gaza to flee their homes.
Increasing Tensions
The ongoing violence has created an environment where hope for peace seems distant. The people of Gaza and the West Bank, along with Lebanese civilians, are preparing for the possibility of more severe conflicts. With Trump’s known policies and past actions, many fear that the U.S. will continue to strongly support Israel, making life even harder for those in occupied and war-torn regions.
Key Points to Note:
- Donald Trump’s return to power has increased anxiety in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
- Many fear that his support for Israel will escalate violence and diminish chances for Palestinian self-determination.
- The response to recent attacks has already led to massive casualties and displacement in Gaza.
- Civilians are bracing for even more hardship as Trump’s policies are expected to back Israeli actions.
The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and civilians are left to wonder what the future holds as January approaches.
