Trump’s Gaza Plan and West Asia’s Challenges

Source: The post Trump’s Gaza Plan and West Asia’s Challenges has been created, based on the article “Gaza and Trump’s ‘expanding the canvas’ strategy” published in “The Hindu” on 11th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population and redevelop the area, his efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, and Saudi Arabia’s stance on Palestinian statehood. It also examines West Asia’s conflicts, economic issues, and Saudi-U.S. relations under Mohammed bin Salman.

For detailed information on Donald Trump’s return as U.S. President and its impact on South Asia read this article here

What are the major problems in West Asia?

1. Political Problems in West Asia
2. Unresolved Israel-Palestine Conflict: Gaza war caused destruction. Trump’s relocation plan for 2.3 million Gazans is unrealistic. Israel rejects a Palestinian state, but Saudi Arabia demands it.
3. Regional Instability: Violence since October 7, 2023, has weakened Iran’s influence. The “Axis of Resistance” is inactive but could return. Syria’s civil war has left lasting damage.
4. Growing Religious Extremism: Ultra-religious Jewish groups influence Israel. HTS-led groups are strong in Syria.
5. Trump’s Unpredictable Diplomacy: His aggressive approach could increase tensions. He struggles to adapt to new regional realities.
6. Economic Problems in West Asia
7. War Damage: Rebuilding Gaza costs $50 billion, Lebanon $8.5 billion, and Syria $500 billion. Western sanctions slow recovery.
8. Oil Dependence: Saudi Arabia’s GDP is $1.07 trillion, but oil demand may decline. Trump’s energy policies threaten oil prices.

What is Trump’s proposal for Gaza?

1. Donald Trump proposed relocating 2.3 million Gaza residents to Egypt and Jordan.
2. He suggested the U.S. should take over Gaza and develop it into a global tourist destination. This idea was seen as unrealistic and controversial. Some called it a colonial land grab.

3.He also hinted at a plan for the West Bank.

What is Saudi-U.S. relations under Mohammed bin Salman?

1. Long-standing Alliance: Saudi-U.S. relations have lasted over 80 years, based on security cooperation and oil trade.
2. Saudi Arabia’s Economic Strength: The country has a GDP of $1.07 trillion, a Public Investment Fund worth $930 billion, and Aramco’s market value is $1.79 trillion.
3. Trump-MbS Partnership: Trump’s first call after returning to office was to MbS. MbS offered to invest $600 billion in the U.S., and Trump asked him to increase it to $1 trillion.
4. Geopolitical Role: MbS hosted two major Arab-Islamic summits on Gaza, ended Saudi involvement in Yemen, and normalized ties with Iran and Qatar.
5. Abraham Accords Stalemate: Saudi Arabia refuses to recognize Israel without a Palestinian state, complicating Trump’s efforts to expand the accords.

What are Trump’s challenges?

Trump’s aggressive diplomacy is unpredictable. He must convince Israel to be more flexible. He must also work with MbS, who may invest up to $1 trillion in the U.S. A strong Saudi-U.S. partnership could help stabilize West Asia, but major obstacles remain.

Question for practice:

Examine the major political and economic challenges in West Asia and how they impact Saudi-U.S. relations under Mohammed bin Salman.