Trump's Victory: A New Threat or Opportunity for Palestine?

By Kang Zamzam Irfan

Social, Political, and Education Observer

Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th President of the United States has reignited concerns over the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During his previous term, Trump’s policies were seen as overwhelmingly pro-Israel, from recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital to relocating the U.S. Embassy there. These decisions exacerbated tensions, leaving the Palestinian cause in a more precarious position.

Now that Trump is back in power, one pressing question looms: Will his policies remain the same? And more critically, will his unwavering support for Israel continue to disregard Palestinian rights?

Pro-Israel Policies That Marginalize Palestinians

Trump’s record shows a clear bias toward Israel. He empowered Israel to expand settlements in the West Bank, projects that not only violated international law but also eroded any chance of a viable Palestinian state. The so-called "Abraham Accords," which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, were viewed as a diplomatic betrayal by Palestinians. These agreements sidelined the Palestinian struggle, legitimizing Israel’s position without addressing the fundamental issues of land and sovereignty.

If Trump continues down this path, we are likely to see Israel further entrench its control over disputed territories. This would worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, where poverty and violence have long plagued the Palestinian population. The future for Palestinians, who have fought for decades for their own state, now seems increasingly bleak under Trump’s leadership.

Global Instability on the Horizon

The implications of Trump’s victory are not confined to Israel and Palestine. His policies could ignite a wave of unrest across the Muslim world, sparking mass protests and fueling resentment toward U.S. foreign policy. Extremist groups may find justification to escalate violence, leading to a broader cycle of conflict in the region. The repercussions of Trump’s actions could destabilize not just the Middle East but also global peace efforts.

On the flip side, Trump’s administration previously facilitated normalization deals between Israel and major Arab states. Should this trend continue, Palestine could find itself increasingly isolated on the world stage, as more countries choose diplomatic ties with Israel over support for Palestinian independence.

Faint Hope Amidst Mounting Challenges

For Palestine, Trump’s return represents an uphill battle. His administration’s pro-Israel stance leaves little room for the kind of diplomacy needed to achieve a two-state solution. The dream of justice and autonomy for Palestinians appears to be slipping further out of reach, and the fight for their rights seems set to face even tougher resistance.

Yet, a small glimmer of hope remains. Should Trump and his team be persuaded to include Palestine in future diplomatic efforts, there could be a slim chance for renewed negotiations. This, however, will require relentless pressure from the international community, urging the U.S. to adopt a more balanced approach to resolving the conflict.

The Global Challenge to Maintain Balance

Trump’s victory may create new challenges for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it also underscores the growing importance of global intervention. Countries that support Palestinian rights, including Indonesia, must step up their diplomatic efforts, calling for a just and equitable resolution. Without sustained international advocacy, the Palestinian struggle risks becoming even more marginalized.

While Trump may continue to push a pro-Israel agenda, the world is no longer a place where the U.S. can act unilaterally without facing pushback. In a multipolar world, Trump’s actions will be scrutinized, and this offers a potential opening for Palestine to garner broader global support.

The road ahead is uncertain, and the challenges are steep. For Palestinians, Trump's second term may represent a significant setback, but the international community has a crucial role to play in ensuring that their aspirations for justice and self-determination are not completely extinguished.

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