Trump Advisor: US Will Impose Sanctions on Countries Supporting Hamas
Mike Evans, a close advisor to Donald Trump, stated that the US plans to impose sanctions on all nations that support Hamas, including Qatar. Evans also revealed that Trump’s administration would grant Israel full freedom of action in Gaza if the prisoner exchange agreement is violated. While ruling out sending US troops to the Middle East, Evans emphasized that the US will provide Israel with all necessary military resources.
Key Statements by Mike Evans
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Sanctions on Hamas Supporters:
- Trump is prepared to impose strict sanctions on countries that fund or support Hamas.
- Qatar is among the nations potentially targeted for alleged financial backing of the Palestinian movement.
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Freedom of Action for Israel:
- Trump plans to grant Israel “full freedom of action” in Gaza if the prisoner exchange agreement collapses.
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Economic Fund Managed by Egypt and Saudi Arabia:
- The US intends to establish a special fund for managing the Palestinian economy, excluding Palestinians from its administration.
- The fund will be managed by a coalition involving Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
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Normalization with Saudi Arabia:
- Evans expressed confidence that Israel and Saudi Arabia will finalize normalization of relations by the end of this year.
- He also suggested the possibility of Israel annexing parts of the West Bank.
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No US Military Involvement:
- Evans stressed that Trump does not plan to deploy American troops to the Middle East but will guarantee full military support for Israel.
Context
- US and Hamas: The US designates Hamas as a terrorist organization and has consistently pressured nations that provide support to the group.
- Normalization with Saudi Arabia: Efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel have gained momentum in recent years but remain contentious in the region.
- Annexation of the West Bank: Proposals for annexation have faced significant international condemnation and have heightened tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Potential Implications
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For Qatar:
- Sanctions could impact Qatar’s economy and its role in funding humanitarian initiatives in Gaza.
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For Palestine:
- Exclusion from managing the proposed economic fund may lead to further isolation and resentment.
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For the Middle East:
- Increased support for Israel and potential annexation of the West Bank could trigger a new wave of violence in the region.
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For the US:
- Maintaining a hands-off military approach may boost Trump’s domestic popularity but could draw criticism from international and domestic opponents.
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