Trump says he is ‘not confident’ over Gaza ceasefire


Jihan Abdalla
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US President Donald Trump on Monday said he was not confident that all three phases of the ceasefire in Gaza would be implemented.

Mr Trump was speaking from the Oval Office as he signed a batch of executive orders, hours after his inauguration.

“That's not our war over there, but I'm not confident, but I think they're very weakened,” he said, referring to Hamas.

On Sunday, after months of stalemate, a ceasefire began in Gaza, halting 15 months of conflict sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people on October 7, 2023. About 46,900 Palestinians have been killed and much of the coastal enclave has been flattened since then.

Although much of the agreement between Israel and Hamas was negotiated under Joe Biden's administration, its implementation will take place under Mr Trump. His Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff took part in the mediated talks in Doha.

The agreement comprises three phases, beginning with a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and ending with Israel's complete withdrawal from the enclave and its reconstruction.

“Gaza is like a massive demolition site,” Mr Trump said. “It's really got to be rebuilt in a different way.”

Echoing plans from Israel's extreme right-wing settler movement, Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner last year said that Gaza has “valuable” waterfront property. Mr Kushner worked on Middle East issues for Mr Trump's first administration, and in his role advanced US efforts to further integrate Israel into the Middle East.

“Gaza is interesting,” Mr Trump said. “It's a phenomenal location on the sea, best weather. It's like, some beautiful things could be done with it, but some fantastic things could be done with Gaza.”

Earlier on Monday, he rescinded Biden-era sanctions imposed on settler groups and people accused of committing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Mr Biden's administration had accused settler groups of undermining peace, security and stability in the West Bank. The sanctions froze their US assets and barred Americans from dealing with them.

Palestinians and rights groups say violence from Israeli settlers and land grabs have been on the rise, particularly during the war on Gaza.

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

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The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

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Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

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Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

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Updated: January 21, 2025, 12:25 PM`