The Gaza Betrayal: A New Chapter of Colonialism and the Palestinian Struggle for Liberation

The recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House on 4th February 2025, that the United States could “take over” the Gaza Strip and support Israel in discussions on the annexation of the West Bank marks a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in the Palestinian struggle. The audacity of such a proposal—framed as a strategic solution—betrays the long-standing historical pattern of dispossession, occupation, and oppression that has defined Palestine’s modern history. This is not merely a geopolitical maneuver; it is a continuation of a colonial project that seeks to erase Palestinian identity and sovereignty.

A History of Betrayals and Resistance

This is not the first time Palestine has faced the threat of erasure. The region has been a battleground of imperial interests for centuries, from the Crusader occupation (1099–1187) to the British Mandate (1917–1948) and the creation of Israel in 1948. Yet, history has also shown that oppression breeds resistance. Salahuddin al-Ayubi (Saladin) liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187, proving that no occupation is permanent when met with determined resistance. Today, the Palestinian people—though battered by decades of occupation, displacement, and war—continue to embody this unyielding spirit of defiance.

The Saudi and Gulf Position: A Delicate Balancing Act

The response from key Arab and Muslim-majority nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, has been telling. Saudi Arabia has officially rejected Trump’s proposal, reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution. However, Riyadh’s increasing engagement with Israel in economic and security matters has raised concerns about whether its public stance aligns with its strategic actions. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, both of whom normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, have yet to forcefully challenge these latest developments. Their silence or diplomatic caution exposes the broader dilemma of regional politics: balancing Western alliances with the moral and religious obligation to defend Palestinian rights.

Would This Solve the Palestinian Question?

The notion that a U.S. occupation of Gaza and an Israeli annexation of the West Bank could lead to peace is deeply flawed. The root cause of instability is the denial of Palestinian self-determination, not the lack of American or Israeli control. Decades of occupation, forced displacements, and the systematic erasure of Palestinian identity have only fueled resentment and resistance. The American-Israeli plan does not aim to solve the Palestinian issue—it seeks to eliminate it entirely through forced expulsion and demographic engineering.

Our Perspective

We boldly state that the continued occupation and economic strangulation of Palestine highlight the need for self-reliance and economic resistance. The financial blockade imposed on Gaza has deliberately crippled its economic potential, making it dependent on foreign aid rather than self-sufficiency. Islamic economists argue that developing an independent Palestinian economy—free from Israeli control—is essential for long-term resilience. The establishment of trade networks between Palestine and friendly Muslim nations, the creation of alternative financial institutions that bypass Western economic dominance, and the implementation of Islamic financial instruments like waqf (endowments) and sukuk (Islamic bonds) could serve as viable means to sustain Palestinian economic sovereignty.

A Call to Action: Practical Steps for Liberation

Given this grave injustice, what should be the response of the Muslim world, particularly those committed to justice and the liberation of Palestine? Words alone will not suffice. The time for practical, coordinated action is now.

1. Economic Sanctions and Boycotts: The Muslim world must strengthen the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement to apply economic pressure on Israel and its allies. The refusal to engage in trade with businesses that support Israeli expansionism is an ethical duty.
2. A Unified Arab and Muslim Stance: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must move beyond symbolic condemnations and demand the immediate recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. It should also push for an international military and diplomatic strategy to defend Palestinian territories.
3. Reviving Pan-Islamic Solidarity: The Muslim world has the wealth, influence, and military capacity to assert itself in global politics. If Salahuddin al-Ayubi could unite fractured Muslim states to reclaim Jerusalem, then today’s leaders must rise to the occasion and form a cohesive strategy to liberate Palestine.
4. Supporting Palestinian Resistance: The Palestinian people must not be left to fight alone. International Muslim organizations should increase their financial, logistical, and political support for resistance movements striving for liberation.
5. Rejecting Western Hegemony: The Muslim world must reassess its reliance on Western powers that have continually supported Israel’s expansionist policies. Instead, it should seek alliances with emerging global powers that respect the sovereignty and rights of oppressed peoples.
6. International Legal Action: The Israeli occupation violates international law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN must be utilized to prosecute war crimes committed against Palestinians. Legal action against Israeli officials, similar to what was done to Serbian war criminals, must be pursued.
7. Reviving the Spirit of Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi: History shows that Palestine was not liberated through negotiations alone. Diplomatic efforts must be coupled with strength. Muslim nations must modernize and strengthen their defense capabilities. A powerful Muslim world is necessary to counterbalance Israel’s military supremacy.

A Defining Moment for the Muslim World

The Trump-Netanyahu proposal is not just an attack on Palestinians—it is an affront to all Muslims and a challenge to global justice. The Muslim world must rise to the occasion, not with empty words but with decisive action. The world has seen countless peace talks, ceasefires, and negotiations, but none have changed the reality of Israeli occupation. The time for passive diplomacy is over. It is time for the Muslim world to act decisively.

The lessons of history remind us that oppression can only last as long as resistance is weak. Palestine has resisted for decades; now, it is the duty of the entire Muslim Ummah to stand in solidarity and ensure that this latest attempt at colonialism is met with unwavering opposition. Another lesson from history is clear: no occupier lasts forever. Whether it takes years or decades, Palestine will be free. The question is not if, but when. And for that day to come sooner rather than later, the Muslim world must rise to the challenge—economically, politically, and militarily. The road to liberation will not be easy, but history has shown that justice always prevails.

The time to act is now. History will judge whether the Muslim world stood by as another betrayal unfolded—or if it reclaimed its rightful role as the defender of justice, sovereignty, and liberation.

Palestine should never be allowed to be erased!