Just last month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal. In reply, the United Nations General Assembly is demanding adherence to this crucial judgement. As each day passes, tensions in Gaza are reaching a boiling point. Israel’s actions are more specifically raising red flags on forced deportations and the current humanitarian crisis in the region. In this tumultuous geopolitical climate, Donald Trump recently released a dangerous plan on what the future of Gaza should look like. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increased domestic political and legal pressure.
The ICJ’s ruling carries great weight in international law. It unambiguously spells out how the current occupation is entrenching violations of Palestinians’ rights and putting the chances of peace at risk. The UN General Assembly answered by calling on Israel to comply with the ICJ’s recommendations. This action put greater pressure on the Israeli government.
In this context, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have been and continue to be a violation of human rights and international law. Third, reports have indicated that continuous assaults have destroyed 92% of residential units in Gaza. Israeli forces have deliberately hit residential towers in Gaza City. These ongoing actions have fueled allegations that Israel is carrying out the crime of forced deportations against its Palestinian citizens.
From this starting point, Trump reversed course when he endorsed a vision of a “Gaza Riviera.” He has further cast himself as a possible mediator during the crisis. Count on Washington His proposal specifies a detailed 20-point plan that would force Netanyahu to give up hopes for a Palestinian free Gaza. This would be a big break from Trump’s previous support for far-right Israeli objectives. The pendulum swing highlights the increasing radicalization of Americans—especially young Americans—against the Israeli state and apartheid.
Kenneth Roth is a visiting professor at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs. He provides indispensable context about the big-picture meanings of these developments. He contextualizes Israel’s actions within their historical context and what it means to the Palestinian people.
“Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments.” – Kenneth Roth
Netanyahu’s political career has been entirely devoted to preventing the establishment of a two-state solution. This position has drawn the ire of critics on both sides of the Atlantic. With pending corruption charges hanging over him, it is unclear whether Netanyahu will have the capacity to see that this crisis through.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has played a critical role in supporting Palestinian refugees, reminding them of their status and the ongoing challenges they face. Israel has actively sought to thwart and delegitimize UNRWA’s work, perceiving it as a challenge to its goals within the region.
As the global criticism grew, Trump’s administration responded by sanctioning members of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This new step makes it significantly harder to hold accountable those responsible for the reported war crimes taking place in Gaza. These sanctions are an example of a larger trend within U.S. foreign policy. It often promotes Israeli interests ahead of the protection of Palestinian rights.
We must await the developing situation in Gaza as there is urgent and growing international pressure to comply with legal judgements and humanitarian principles. The potential for Trump’s proposed plan to bring about lasting change rests on a fragile balance between political realities in Israel and the aspirations of the Palestinian people.