NewsBite

Is Trump’s Gaza gamble ‘morally bankrupt’ or bold?

Is Trump’s Gaza gamble ‘morally bankrupt’ or bold?

Donald Trump’s breathtaking plan for the US to takeover Gaza stunned the world and ripped up the foreign policy status quo in the Middle East.

A tent camp for displaced Palestinians is set up next to destroyed buildings following the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. AP

Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondent

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

On the same day Donald Trump declared he wanted to take over Gaza, he reinstated the campaign of “maximum pressure” to stop Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb, while the Pentagon began drafting plans to withdraw hundreds of US troops from Syria.

It’s enough to induce whiplash for even the most ardent America Firster; the US president seems torn between his competing instincts of US isolationism, getting tough with the Mullahs and real estate wheeling and dealing.

Loading...

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

Read More

Andrew Tillett
Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.com

Latest In Middle East

Fetching latest articles

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/world/middle-east/is-trump-s-gaza-gamble-morally-bankrupt-or-bold-20250206-p5la1v