Professor Finkelstein: Trump's Peace Plan, a Grand Deception

Professor Finkelstein: Trump's Peace Plan, a Grand Deception

The recent statements by Professor Norman Finkelstein, a prominent scholar of Israel and Palestine, on Al Jazeera's "UpFront" program, offer not only a frank analysis of Trump's Gaza peace plan but also serve as a damning indictment against Israeli policies and international silence. Finkelstein's analysis, devoid of any diplomatic pleasantries and relying on historical and documented facts, paints a grim and unvarnished picture of the current situation and the future outlook for the region.

1. The Baselessness and Emptiness of Trump's Peace Plan: A Document Without a Soul

Finkelstein unequivocally labels Trump's peace plan as "by a wide margin the flimsiest" among all U.S. peace initiatives since the 1970s. This assertion rests on solid grounds: Trump's plan lacks any reference to international legal documents, UN Security Council resolutions (such as 242 and 338), or even basic principles of international law. He describes it as merely "20 points" devoid of "reference, elaboration, or coherence," setting an arbitrary "72-hour" deadline for Hamas, and granting a "green light to decimate Gaza" if not accepted. This approach, lacking any legal or ethical foundation, signifies unilateralism and the imposition of one party's will on another, disregarding the historical roots and human dimensions of the conflict. A plan supposedly aimed at achieving "peace" that lacks any dialogue with the primary party involved (Hamas) and ignores the fundamental rights of an occupied people (Palestinians) is doomed to fail from the outset. This plan is not only lacking in credibility but, in Finkelstein's view, merely a tool to advance specific strategic objectives, not genuine peace.

2. Israel's Exploitation of Crisis and Hostages: A Gesture of Rescue, an Intent of Ethnic Cleansing

One of the most unsettling points in Finkelstein's analysis is his assertion that Israel "doesn't want Hamas to free the hostages." In this view, the hostages have become "a godsend" for Israel, providing a pretext to advance the "ethnic cleansing of Gaza." The October 7 attack, which Finkelstein acknowledges as "a real crisis and calamity for Israel," quickly transformed into "a godsend opportunity" for Israeli officials to implement their long-term plans for the "expulsion" of Palestinians from Gaza. This analysis shifts the true intent behind Israel's military operations, beyond merely rescuing hostages and destroying Hamas, towards a darker geopolitical and demographic goal: altering Gaza's demographic composition and completely undermining the Palestinian presence. This approach severely weakens Israel's ethical claims and exposes the political and purposeful nature of its military actions.

3. Genocide in Gaza: Intent and Execution of a Human Catastrophe

Citing the UN Commission of Inquiry report, Finkelstein unequivocally concludes that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza. He bases this accusation not only on the scale of destruction and killing but also on the explicit "intent" of Israeli officials. Statements immediately after October 7, such as "We're going to reduce Gaza to rubble," "There are no civilians in Gaza," and "Everybody is Hamas," indicate that these were not merely "heat-of-the-moment remarks" but rather expressions of a sinister and systematic intent. This intent has been clearly manifested in practice: widespread destruction of infrastructure, deliberate starvation of the population, and "killing children as a hobby" (according to an Israeli opposition leader).

4. Israeli Society: A Mirror of Extremism

Professor Finkelstein boldly describes Israeli society as "a lunatic society." This description is not merely an emotional label but the result of analyzing alarming internal poll statistics:

* 47% of Israeli Jews: Support "genocide in Gaza" and believe the "IDF should kill everyone in the city."

* 62% (and 70% of Israeli Jews): Believe "there are no innocents in Gaza."

These figures, transcending Netanyahu or any specific government, reveal a deeply rooted and collective ideology within Israeli society that has normalized the dehumanization of Palestinians. This extremist viewpoint paves the way for war crimes and blatant human rights violations, making any peaceful resolution incredibly difficult.

5. Trump's Role in Regional Power Play: Controlling Impudence for Larger Interests

Israel's attack on Qatar and Netanyahu's unprecedented apology, in Finkelstein's view, were not signs of a shift in Israeli policy but rather the result of a direct "order" from Trump. He believes Trump was concerned about jeopardizing his "grand plan" for the Middle East, particularly the "Abraham Accords" and relations with Saudi Arabia (Trump's "crown jewel"). Israel's excessive impudence in indiscriminate attacks on regional countries could have harmed this plan. Therefore, Netanyahu's apology was not a spontaneous act but a compulsion from its main patron to preserve U.S. strategic interests. This indicates that even Israel's supporters sometimes have to intervene to control its "madness" and "impudence."

6. The Future of Gaza: Ruin and Lost Hope, But Truth Remains

Regarding the immediate future, Finkelstein holds no hope. He points to the "95% destruction of homes and 70% of hospitals" in Gaza and the presence of "60 million tons of rubble," which would take until 2050 to clear. In such conditions, talk of "rebuilding Gaza" or "Gaza residents staying" in Trump's plan is "completely detached from reality." He states, "I don't see grounds for hope."

Conclusion: The Historical Duty to Preserve Truth

Professor Finkelstein's remarks, from a distinguished analyst who has fearlessly exposed truths for years despite pressure, present a bleak and alarming outlook on the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian conflict. He views Trump's peace plan as not only ineffective but also harmful and a tool to advance illegitimate Israeli objectives. The genocide in Gaza, with premeditated intent and with the support of a significant portion of Israeli society, is actively unfolding.

Amidst this profound despair, Finkelstein resorts to a fundamental and ethical point: "We cannot escape history. It will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation." While this "preservation of the historical record" may not directly save any lives, it "at least allows the truth to be preserved." Our duty, as observers and future generations, is to remember this truth, however bitter, and to use it for enlightenment and to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. In a world where powers strive to alter narratives and conceal facts, the voice of individuals like Finkelstein, who speak the truth boldly and courageously, is more vital than ever.