2 weeks ago
30
February 18, 2025 | 10:57 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Senior members of the United States parliament and key ally of President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the president's proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and expel Palestinian residents from the area is not supported in the Senate.
US Senator Lindsey Graham stated there is little desire for the US to take over Gaza 'in any way, or form.'
Speaking from Tel Aviv alongside a group of bipartisan parliament members, Graham also noted, 'Our journey is still long' in building diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Trump's proposal for the US to seize control of Gaza and relocate Palestinian residents has sparked strong criticism in the Arab world and most of Europe.
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month, Trump referred to Gaza as a demolition site and suggested that Palestinian residents should be relocated to another country for better living conditions.
His repeated suggestions for Jordan and Egypt to accept Palestinian refugees have been flatly rejected by the Arab world.
Graham also urged Israel to recognize the historic opportunity to integrate with its regional neighbors and ensure long-term security.
'You can destroy Hamas, and we will. However, they will come back unless the Palestinians have a purpose in life and Israel has security to prevent another October 7,' he said.
Israel has shown full support for Trump's plan to forcibly expel Palestinian residents and firmly rejected the idea of progress towards a two-state solution.
Speaking about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Graham acknowledged that MBS continues to call for a dignified resolution to the Palestinian issue.
'I understand the politics in Israel: you are united in the belief that you do not want to reward Palestine with a state after they killed 1,200 of your citizens. I understand, and so do you,' said Graham.
However, he posed a critical question: 'But the question is, how does this end? And how do you prevent Hamas from coming back?'
Furthermore, Graham noted that although Israel may win the war militarily, they are losing the battle for global perception.
'Go anywhere in the Arab world and beyond; all they see is the morning, noon, and night attacks on the Palestinian people,' he said.
A ceasefire agreement has been in place in Gaza since January 19, halting Israel's genocide that has killed nearly 48,300 Palestinian residents and left the enclave in ruins.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November last year for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war in the enclave.
Editor's Choice: Netanyahu Says Israel and U.S. Are Determined to Thwart Iran
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
What Are Ukraine's Rare Earths and Why Does Trump Want Them?
47 menit lalu
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is ready to make a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to develop Ukraine's huge rare earth mineral deposits.
Trump Threatens to Send US Troops, Wants to Control 50 Percent of Ukraine's Minerals
58 menit lalu
Trump wants 50 percent of Ukraine's rare minerals to be controlled by the United States. He threatens to send troops to guard the minerals.
Trump's Immigration Policy Sparks Racism in U.S., Indonesian Citizen Says
59 menit lalu
An Indonesian citizen talks about the increasing racism in the U.S. after Donald Trump's policies. Asian immigrants are being targeted for violence.
Nearly 10,000 Fired in U.S. Govt as Trump and Musk Purge Federal Workers
14 jam lalu
Trump's administration mass layoff initiative targets probationary employees still within their first year of work.
How Hard Have U.S. Agencies Been Bit by Trump and Musk's Layoffs?
17 jam lalu
U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have mounted a sweeping campaign to slash the size of the 2.3 million-strong federal workforce.
Pope Francis, 88, in Hospital for Fourth Day for Respiratory Infection
18 jam lalu
The Vatican says Pope Francis was being treated for a respiratory infection and was in stable condition.
Donald Trump to Meet Vladimir Putin 'Very Soon' to Discuss Ukraine War
19 jam lalu
Donald Trump leaks the possibility of meeting Vladimir Putin 'very soon' in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine war.
Netanyahu Says Israel and U.S. Are Determined to Thwart Iran
19 jam lalu
Netanyahu said Israel had dealt a "mighty blow" to Iran since the start of the war in Gaza.
Mistaken for Palestinians, Two Israeli Citizens Shot 17 Times in Miami
19 jam lalu
Mordechai Brafman shot at a car carrying two Israeli citizens in Miami, mistaking the victims for Palestinians
Why Trump 2.0 Can't Be Ignored on Climate
19 jam lalu
Trump's abandonment of the Paris Agreement comes as the collective mood for climate action has changed.
