Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza; Draws Condemnation
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that the U.S. should assume a “long-term ownership position” over the Gaza Strip, and that the Palestinian people living in the enclave should be moved to other countries, including Jordan and Egypt. The President’s remarks were made at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C. The new proposal came after weeks of comments from the President indicating that he believes people in Gaza should be resettled to other nations while the Gaza Strip is rebuilt. But during Tuesday’s press session, Trump indicated his desire for the U.S. to take complete ownership of the territory and its rebuilding, and wanting to turn Gaza into a “Riviera” of the Middle East. The plan quickly drew international condemnation and outrage, with experts stating that the forced relocation would amount to a war crime. Arab-American groups who supported the Trump campaign in the 2024 election disagreed with the President’s comments. One group, “Arab Americans for Trump,” has also changed its name to “Arab Americans for Peace.” Administration officials tried to walk back the President’s comments in various public statements. Many of them said that Trump does not intend to deploy American troops or claim complete ownership of the Strip.
Aga Khan IV, Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88
Karim al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, who was the leader of the Ismaili sect of Islam, died Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. Ismaili Islam is a branch of Shi’a Islam with 15 million followers concentrated in Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan, and East Africa — members consider the Aga Khan to be a descendant of the prophet Muhammad. The Aga Khan IV had assets worth billions of dollars, collected racehorses, and ran a large philanthropic network of organizations with a multi-billion dollar portfolio. He often met with diplomats and world leaders to advocate for Ismaili Muslims — including him persuading Canada to take in thousands of Ismaili refugees. His son, Rahim al-Hussaini, was named as the Aga Khan V.
Ceasefire in East Congo Breaks Down
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seized control of the mining town of Nyabibwe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in violation of a ceasefire that they had unilaterally declared earlier in the week on Monday. This is part of a potential advance of rebel forces towards the provincial capital of Bukavu 70 miles to the south of Nyabibwe — though the rebels stated that they have no intention of capturing the town. Nyabibwe is also a commercial hub and produces gold, coltan, and other metals. This latest capture comes after the rebels captured Goma, the capital of another province last week.
El Salvador Proposes Plan to Move US Convicts to El Salvarodian Prisons
The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, has offered to house “dangerous American criminals” in jails in El Salvador. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. was considering the plan, and said that he was “incredibly grateful” for it. Bukele has succeeded in reducing crime in El Salvador, but has come under scrutiny for alleged abuse by the police and indiscriminate arrests. The American Civil Liberties Union has scrutinized the move, especially as it relates to the deportation of U.S. citizens — while also critiquing the plan for deporting non-citizens to a country that is not their own.
