Thu Nov 07 14:16:54 UTC 2024: ## Trump’s Re-election Sparks Fears of Increased Israeli Aggression in Middle East

**Deir el-Balah, Gaza, Palestine and Beirut, Lebanon** – Palestinians and Lebanese citizens are expressing deep anxiety and fear following the re-election of Donald Trump as US President. While Trump supporters celebrate his victory, many in the Middle East view it with trepidation, fearing his return will embolden Israel to escalate conflicts and further undermine Palestinian self-determination.

In Gaza, where over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed and millions displaced since the recent conflict with Israel, residents fear Trump will greenlight further Israeli aggression, potentially leading to their expulsion from the strip. Trump has previously accused the Biden administration of restraining Israel in Gaza and promised to help them “finish the job” if re-elected.

In Lebanon, where Israel has been bombing cities and towns in the south and Bekaa Valley, many fear Trump will maintain or increase support for Israel’s war effort, targeting Hezbollah and the Shia community. Residents forced from their homes are bracing for continued conflict and fear permanent displacement.

Trump’s previous policies, which included cutting funding for UNRWA and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, have been seen as hostile to Palestinian rights and a bid to dismantle their aspirations for an independent state. With Trump back in power, there are concerns he will further undermine Palestinian self-determination by allowing Israel to annex large swathes of the West Bank.

“As Palestinians, we don’t expect anything positive from Trump,” said Palestinian human rights activist Tasame Ramadan. “His decisions are unpredictable, but he often ignores Palestinian voices, and his decisions have lasting impact on Palestinians.”

The re-election of Trump is a stark reminder of the deep-seated challenges facing Palestinians and Lebanese civilians in the region. With fears of heightened aggression and diminished hopes for peace, the future looks bleak for those yearning for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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