Palestinian State, UN, and Trump’s Discourse by Rohan Khanna India

The provided text, an excerpt from a YouTube video transcript by, primarily offers a critical analysis of contemporary global political events, with a strong focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of United States foreign policy, particularly during the Trump administration. The author addresses the complex issue of establishing a Palestinian state, arguing that while theoretically no one is opposed, various actions, including those by Hamas and past refusals by Arab nations, have continuously undermined its formation. The analysis also scrutinizes President Donald Trump’s controversial speech at the UN General Assembly, critiquing his attacks on European immigration policies and other world leaders, while also mentioning the Saudi-Pakistan defense deal and the broader geopolitical landscape involving Arab nations and Israel. Ultimately, the author expresses pessimism about the future establishment of an independent Palestinian state, given the current environment of distrust and conflict.

Geopolitics: Israel, Palestine, and Trump’s Foreign Policy

The provided text, an excerpt from a YouTube video transcript , primarily offers a critical analysis of contemporary global political events, with a strong focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of United States foreign policy, particularly during the Trump administration. The author addresses the complex issue of establishing a Palestinian state, arguing that while theoretically no one is opposed, various actions, including those by Hamas and past refusals by Arab nations, have continuously undermined its formation. The analysis also scrutinizes President Donald Trump’s controversial speech at the UN General Assembly, critiquing his attacks on European immigration policies and other world leaders, while also mentioning the Saudi-Pakistan defense deal and the broader geopolitical landscape involving Arab nations and Israel. Ultimately, the author expresses pessimism about the future establishment of an independent Palestinian state, given the current environment of distrust and conflict.

Obstacles to Palestinian Statehood

Based on the sources provided, the prospect of an independent Palestinian state is a complex issue with a history of failed agreements and ongoing conflicts that make its establishment unlikely in the foreseeable future.

International and Historical Stance on Statehood

• Broad International Support: In principle, almost no country in the world, including the United States and Israel, is against the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Many powerful European nations like the UK, France, and Germany, as well as countries like Canada, Australia, and Portugal, have made statements in favor of its creation.
• Initial Establishment in 1948: A Palestinian state was technically established in 1948 at the same time as the state of Israel was created by Britain. However, Arab nations at the time refused to accept this arrangement and instead attacked Israel.
• US-Brokered Efforts: The United States has historically played a role in trying to realize a Palestinian state. It was the U.S. that persuaded Israel to negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), leading to formal agreements. The establishment of the Palestinian Authority under Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas was considered a tangible step towards an independent state. This progress was conditioned on the Palestinians recognizing Israel and refraining from attacks on its security.
• 2005 Gaza Withdrawal: As a result of this negotiation process, and under American pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon withdrew from Gaza in 2005, handing it over to the Palestinian Authority. This involved the evacuation of thousands of Jewish settlers from their fortified homes. It’s also noted that prior to 1967, Gaza was part of Egypt, not under any Palestinian authority.

Obstacles to Palestinian Statehood

• Hamas’s Role: The source argues that Hamas’s actions have severely undermined the progress made toward statehood. The October 7th attack is seen as having destroyed all previous agreements between Israelis and Palestinians that were facilitated by American leadership. This has led to a loss of trust that the speaker believes may never be restored, making the formation of a state practically impossible.
• Conditions for Recognition: Some international leaders have set preconditions for recognizing a Palestinian state. The Italian Prime Minister, for example, stated that Italy will not recognize a Palestinian state until Hamas is removed from power. This stance is maintained despite significant domestic pressure in Italy, which has seen violent clashes over the issue.
• Israeli and Hamas Conflict: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is a major impediment. The speaker characterizes the Palestinian people as being “crushed like wheat” between these two forces. The source questions why Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages, alive or dead, calling it an inhumane act, and asks what the group hopes to achieve after causing so much destruction and death among Palestinians. A ceasefire is seen as unlikely as long as Hamas holds the hostages.

Current Perspectives

The speaker suggests that recent events have made the establishment of a Palestinian state a remote possibility. The author quotes an interesting remark attributed to President Trump, who suggested that recognizing a Palestinian state under the current circumstances would be like giving a “gift or reward” to Hamas. This perspective highlights the view that Hamas’s actions have sabotaged the prospects for a sovereign Palestinian state, destroying decades of diplomatic efforts.

UN General Assembly Criticisms and Key Debates

Based on the sources provided, here is a discussion of the UN General Assembly, primarily focusing on its recent sessions and the criticisms leveled against it:

Criticisms and Perceived Failures of the UN

The sources portray a critical view of the United Nations and its General Assembly, particularly through the lens of remarks attributed to former US President Donald Trump and the author’s own analysis.

• Ineffectiveness in Peacemaking: President Trump is quoted as harshly criticizing the UN, calling it a “failed and useless institution”. He claimed to have done more for world peace as US President than the UN, citing his role in ceasefires in seven countries, including between Pakistan and India. Trump asserted that the UN, whose primary purpose is to establish world peace, failed to cooperate with him in these efforts.
• Role in the Migrant Crisis: The sources highlight Trump’s accusation that the UN has become a “patron of illegal immigrants”. He argued that instead of promoting peace, the UN is facilitating an “invasion” of Western countries by migrants, which he claimed is turning these nations into a “hell”. He pointed to European prisons filled with criminals who arrived through illegal immigration as evidence.
• Bias and Control: During one General Assembly session, it was noted that the microphones of world leaders were being turned off during their speeches. The author questions this action, pointing out the irony of the US, a self-proclaimed champion of free expression, silencing dissenting voices. This act is seen as sending a negative message to the international community about the suppression of opposing views.

Key Discussions and Events at the General Assembly

The sources reference several key topics and interactions that took place during UN General Assembly meetings:

• Palestinian Statehood: The General Assembly was a forum for widespread global debate on Palestinian statehood. It was noted that many powerful nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia, have made statements in favor of establishing a Palestinian state.
• Speeches by World Leaders:Donald Trump: His address was described as “disturbing” or “surprising”. He used the platform to attack his opponents, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, whom he accused of ruining the city and trying to impose Sharia law. He also criticized China, India, and Russia for purchasing Russian fuel, holding them responsible for the deaths of innocent people in Ukraine.
• Emir of Qatar: He spoke out against Israel’s policy of allegedly killing opponents after inviting them for negotiations. He stated his purpose at the UN was to stop the war in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages.
• Italian Prime Minister: She declared that Italy would not recognize a Palestinian state until Hamas is removed from power.
• Turkish President and Israeli Prime Minister: The speeches of President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Netanyahu were characterized by “bickering and banter,” which the author found interesting.
• Meeting on Gaza: There was anticipation for a special meeting between six Arab Muslim rulers and President Trump during a General Assembly session. The hope was that these influential leaders could persuade the US President to support a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the source notes that a ceasefire remains unlikely as long as Hamas holds Israeli hostages.

Trump’s UN Critique and Controversial Foreign Policy

Based on the sources provided, here is a discussion of Donald Trump, focusing on his actions and statements, particularly in the context of the UN General Assembly:

Critique of the United Nations

The sources highlight Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of the United Nations, portraying it as a “failed and useless institution”.

• Ineffectiveness in Peacemaking: Trump claimed to have done more for world peace during his presidency than the UN itself. He listed seven countries where he said he brokered ceasefires, including one between Pakistan and India, and asserted that the UN, whose primary purpose is to establish world peace, failed to cooperate with him in these efforts.
• Stance on Immigration: He accused the UN of becoming a “patron of illegal immigrants,” arguing that it facilitates an “invasion” of Western countries instead of promoting peace. Trump claimed that European countries are turning into “hell” by opening their borders to illegal immigrants and pointed to European prisons filled with criminals who arrived through such means.

Conduct at the UN General Assembly

Trump’s address at the UN General Assembly is described as “disturbing” or “surprising”. His behavior and speech content drew significant commentary:

• Attacks on Political Opponents: The source notes that it was unusual for a US President to use the UN stage to attack his opponents. Trump heavily criticized the elected mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, accusing him of ruining the “beautiful cultural city,” trying to impose Sharia law, and handing it over to the control of immigrants. He made similar remarks about an Asian-origin candidate for mayor in New York.
• Confrontational Rhetoric with Other Nations: Trump was depicted as “threatening the whole world” from the UN podium. He held China and India responsible for the deaths of “thousands of innocent people” in Ukraine because they purchased Russian fuel. The source questions whether such language and accusations are appropriate for a US President.
• Suppression of Dissent: During the General Assembly session, it was observed that the microphones of other world leaders were being turned off during their speeches. The author questions this action, noting the irony of the US, a self-proclaimed champion of free expression, silencing opposing voices and sending a negative message to the world.

Position on Palestinian Statehood

The source mentions Trump’s view on the issue of Palestinian statehood in the current context. He is quoted as saying that recognizing a Palestinian state under the present circumstances would be like giving a “gift or reward” to Hamas. This statement is presented as a noteworthy and interesting point in the broader discussion.

Interactions with Other Leaders

• There was anticipation of a special meeting between six Arab Muslim rulers and President Trump during a General Assembly session, with hopes that they could persuade him to support a ceasefire in Gaza.
• The source also mentions a “flatterer” who went to great lengths to praise Trump, tying “bridges of praise” for him and calling him the world’s greatest advocate for peace for his role in securing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia: Charisma, Defense, and Modernization

Based on the sources provided, here is a discussion of the issues related to Saudi Arabia mentioned in the text:

The author originally intended to write a critical analysis of a defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but decided to postpone it in favor of discussing the UN General Assembly and the topic of Palestinian statehood. However, the author does provide some context and opinions on Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement

• Media Portrayal: The author notes that the Pakistani media is presenting a very one-sided and emotional picture of the defense deal. This portrayal is generating a lot of questions and facts that are not being addressed or debated publicly.
• Narrative of an “Islamic NATO”: The source criticizes the narrative being promoted around the deal, suggesting that “stories of the emergence of an Islamic NATO” are being fabricated to fool the public. The author describes this idea as a mirage (سَراب) that serves the political interests of the military establishment, making it a “commodity” that is easily “sold and bought”.
• Need for Critical Analysis: The author expresses a desire to conduct a critical review of the “fruits” of this defense agreement, implying that the current coverage lacks depth and objectivity. However, this detailed discussion is deferred to a future article.

Perception of Saudi Arabia and its Leadership

• Affection and Respect: Despite the critical stance on the defense deal’s portrayal, the author expresses deep affection and love for Saudi Arabia, referencing the sanctity of its holy sites. This sentiment is rooted in the religious significance of the land for Muslims.
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: The author describes the current ruler of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as a “charismatic personality”. He is praised for taking “revolutionary steps” to transform his country from conservatism to modernity and progress. The author notes that they have been a supportive voice for the Crown Prince’s vision from the very beginning.

While the sources touch upon a significant defense agreement and the leadership of Saudi Arabia, they do not go into further detail on other “Saudi Arabia Issues,” as the author’s main focus shifts to the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump, and Palestinian statehood.

Undermining Peace Agreements and Statehood

Based on the sources provided, here is a discussion of the actions of Hamas and their consequences:

Undermining Peace Agreements and Statehood

The source strongly argues that Hamas’s actions, specifically the October 7th attack, have undone all previous peace agreements between Israelis and Palestinians that were brokered by the United States. This single act is described as having destroyed the trust that existed, leading the author to believe that this trust can never be restored. As a direct result, the source concludes that a Palestinian state will now “never be able to be established in reality”.

The sources also mention a remark attributed to Donald Trump, who stated that recognizing a Palestinian state under the current circumstances would be equivalent to giving Hamas a “gift or reward”. Similarly, the Prime Minister of Italy declared that her country will not recognize a Palestinian state until Hamas is removed from power. These statements underscore the international view that Hamas’s current role and actions are a primary obstacle to statehood.

Role in the Ongoing Conflict

The source portrays the conflict as one where helpless Palestinian civilians are being “crushed like wheat” between the two millstones of Hamas and Israel. It raises critical questions about Hamas’s motivations and strategy:

• Holding of Hostages: The author questions why Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages, whether they are the approximately 20 who are alive or the bodies of those who have died. This is labeled an “inhumane” act. The text states that a ceasefire in Gaza is unlikely to happen as long as Hamas refuses to release all the hostages.
• Responsibility for Palestinian Suffering: The source directly questions what Hamas aims to achieve after causing such immense human devastation and the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
• Lack of Control: Hamas is described as an “uncontrollable horse” (مُنہ زور گھوڑا), and the author questions why influential Arab Muslim leaders do not collectively rein in the group to stop the conflict.

In summary, the sources frame Hamas’s actions as the principal reason for the collapse of the peace process, the primary obstacle to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and a key factor in the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people.