//Moscow Holds Back on Rejecting Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan; Turkey and Hamas Condemn It//
Russia’s Wait-and-See Approach
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Moscow is waiting for more details on the proposal before taking a definitive stance. While reiterating Russia’s commitment to a two-state solution, he noted that the 2.2 million people currently living in Gaza would be the primary concern.
“The Palestinians have been promised a two-state solution by relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” Peskov said. “There are many questions that remain unanswered, and we need to see the full details before making any judgments.”
Peskov also refrained from confirming or denying whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken with Trump directly about the plan. Trump himself claimed over the weekend that he had discussed the issue with Putin, alongside talks about ending the war in Ukraine.
Russia has maintained diplomatic relations with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and other Western nations. Throughout the ongoing war in Gaza, Moscow has hosted Hamas representatives multiple times.
Hamas and Turkey’s Swift Rejections
Hamas officials quickly condemned Trump’s proposal. Speaking at an event in Tehran marking the anniversary of the Iranian revolution, senior Hamas leader Kahlil al-Hayya declared the plan “doomed to fail.”
“We have defeated such schemes before, and we will do so again,” al-Hayya asserted, signaling that Hamas would not allow forced displacement of Gaza’s population. The group has warned that the proposal could jeopardize ongoing negotiations regarding a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Israel.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed fierce opposition to the plan, calling for the immediate reconstruction of Gaza instead of discussions about displacing its people. Speaking in Malaysia on Monday, Erdogan dismissed the proposal outright.
“We do not recognize any plan that seeks to expel Palestinians from the lands they have inhabited for thousands of years,” Erdogan stated. “Instead of forcing them into a second Nakba, Israel should pay for the destruction it has caused.”
Erdogan went further, accusing Israel of inflicting over $100 billion in damages on Gaza and arguing that it should be responsible for funding reconstruction efforts. His comments come after he cut off Turkish-Israeli trade ties and likened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Despite the backlash, Trump remains committed to his vision of transforming Gaza into what he has described as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” During a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Trump outlined his administration’s plan to take ownership of the Gaza Strip, though he assured that U.S. troops would not be stationed there.
Trump’s plan follows the devastation caused by Israel’s military operations in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. That assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages, prompting Israel’s prolonged offensive in the region. According to UN reports, nearly two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been destroyed in the conflict.
While Trump and his allies see the plan as a strategic solution to the region’s instability, international condemnation and legal challenges could pose significant obstacles to its implementation. For now, the world awaits further developments as the debate over Gaza’s future intensifies.
//Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Spark Global Trade Tensions//
The Trump administration has officially announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, a move that is sending shockwaves across global markets and raising concerns about an impending trade war. The decision is expected to impact major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, China, and the European Union, setting the stage for retaliatory measures and heightened economic uncertainty.
Escalating Trade Disputes
China was quick to respond, implementing additional tariffs on a range of U.S. goods, including liquefied natural gas, coal, crude oil, farming equipment, and automobiles. The tariffs range from 10% to 15%, marking Beijing’s attempt to counter Washington’s aggressive trade policies. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the U.S. move, stating that “trade and tariff wars have no winners,” urging the U.S. to reconsider its stance.
Beyond tariffs, China has also taken legal action against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization and sanctioned American firms, signaling its preparedness for prolonged economic friction. Analysts suggest that China has learned from Trump’s first term, and this time, it is positioning itself for a more strategic counterattack.
Impact on North American Trade
Mexico and Canada, two of the United States' largest steel exporters, are also assessing their response. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico will take a “wait-and-see” approach before issuing countermeasures. Meanwhile, Canada, which supplies nearly 80% of the U.S.'s aluminum imports, warned that the tariffs would ultimately hurt American businesses. Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne emphasized that Canadian metals support key U.S. industries, including defense, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing.
Europe and Global Markets React
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has made it clear that Europe will not sit idly by, warning that any U.S. tariffs will be met with reciprocal actions from the European Union. “Anyone who imposes tariffs must expect countertariffs,” Scholz stated, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to defending its economic interests. The European Commission also criticized the lack of justification for the tariffs and hinted at possible legal challenges or economic countermeasures.
Domestic Fallout and Economic Ramifications
Economists warn that Trump’s latest trade policies could have far-reaching consequences for both U.S. businesses and consumers. The manufacturing and automotive sectors, both reliant on imported metals, could face rising production costs, leading to higher prices for American consumers. William Lee, chief economist at the Milken Institute, noted that Trump is using tariffs as a policy tool not just for economic objectives but also for broader geopolitical leverage, including his ongoing dispute with China over fentanyl exports.
At the same time, Trump's administration is also embroiled in domestic legal battles over federal workforce reductions. Nearly two million federal workers have been offered buyouts, with critics arguing that the move exceeds the president’s budgetary authority. Union leaders have raised concerns that these buyouts may be legally dubious without congressional approval, adding another layer of controversy to Trump’s economic agenda.With global markets bracing for the ripple effects of Trump’s tariffs, businesses and policymakers alike are watching closely for potential negotiations or further escalations. While Trump’s administration argues that these tariffs are necessary to level the playing field, the response from international allies and adversaries alike suggests that a new chapter in global trade tensions is just beginning.As the situation unfolds, the world is left wondering: Will Trump’s aggressive trade strategy strengthen the U.S. economy, or will it backfire, leading to deeper economic turmoil? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—global trade will never be the same.
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