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Minor Hotels, one of the world’s largest hotel chains with a portfolio exceeding 560 properties globally, has formally expanded its signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ‘Dollars for Deeds,’ into Sri Lanka through a landmark partnership with the Ayati Trust, a national centre dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.

The formal partnership event, held at NH Collection Colombo, was attended by key representatives from both the Minor Hotels Group and the Ayati Trust.

As part of this collaboration, the Minor Hotels Group donated Rs. 5 million to the Ayati Trust and further strengthened this commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: ‘At Minor Hotels, we believe that hospitality must extend beyond the guest experience to generate a lasting, positive influence on the communities they serve.’

He emphasised that the Ayati Trust perfectly aligns with their long-term vision set through the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative.

Rajakarier affirmed that this collaboration was not merely a milestone, but the beginning of a sustained journey that would continue to shine light, spread hope, and build opportunity for children and families across Sri Lanka.

Minor Hotels Group Cluster General Manager – Anantara and Avani Kalutara Resort Christoph Dueker expressed the Group’s commitment to Ayati’s core mission, ensuring children with disabilities in Sri Lanka are granted equal access to education, healthcare, social participation, and future employment.

Dueker outlined the funding structure of the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative, which has expanded to a global social responsibility strategy after its introduction by Anantara in Thailand nearly a decade ago. The program invites guests to contribute a voluntary $ 1 per night, a donation that the hotel subsequently matches dollar-for-dollar to multiply the positive outcome.

He highlighted how this collaborative structure turns guests into ambassadors for change, noting that every donated dollar creates a tangible ‘ripple effect’ supporting conservation, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Through its ‘Dollars for Deeds’ program, Minor Hotels maintains active involvement in social impact, directing funds towards diverse global causes. Notable contributions include coral conservation in the Maldives and child welfare programs in Hungary. The initiative has previously funded the Turtle Hatchery in Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. He added that this latest collaboration with the Ayati Trust takes this dedication to local impact a significant step further.

Ayati Trust Deputy Chairman Abbas Esufally explained that the Trust was initially formed to ensure children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. He affirmed that the partnership represents a major development, calling it critical for the broader recognition of inclusive healthcare as a national priority. He also said teaming up with Minor Hotels would help Ayati expand its reach and reinforce their commitment to nourishing children with disabilities and supporting their growth.

Ayati Trust and Hemas Outreach Foundation Executive Director Shiromi Masakorala expressed the Trust’s gratitude for the new partnership, stating they were incredibly thankful for Minor Hotels’ unwavering support and its commitment to strengthening their shared vision of serving the community.

She emphasised the term ‘Ayati,’ which refers to ‘Hope’ in Sanskrit, is a long-term, sustainable national initiative aimed at helping children with disabilities become productive, integrated members of society.

Masakorala highlighted the Ayati Trust’s formation in 2016 as a national collaborative effort, involving the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, the Roshan Wijerama Family Foundation, Rotary International, and other philanthropic partners.

She confirmed the Trust provides crucial diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services, while actively combatting the stigma that often limits the potential of children with disabilities. The Centre works to integrate children by focusing on their skills, offering services that include early intervention programs, occupational and speech therapy, prosthetics, supported education, and family counselling.

With over 14,000 children registered and daily admission close to 60, Masakorala noted that all services are provided free of charge. However, she revealed the financial strain, stating the Ayati Trust faces huge running costs and was desperately seeking funds for maintenance, equipment, and necessary renovations. She expressed her appreciation for Minor Hotels’ timely support with the ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative and the Rs. 5 million cheque, which covers the immediate sustainment costs.

Masakorala believes the Ayati Trust is a national asset and urged all Sri Lankans to join forces to support such initiatives whether private or Government, stressing that this commitment is for our children.

This partnership highlights Minor Hotels’ broader commitment to responsible growth, where each property serves not only as a destination for guests, but as a contributor to the long-term wellbeing of its surrounding community.

Colombo Kickerz have finished as runners-up, falling short in the final after a penalty shoot-out, in the recently concluded Madras Super Cup 2025 tournament held in Chennai.

Participating as the only international team in the Under-19 Futsal segment at this tournament, Colombo Kickerz started off with two brilliant wins-first over FC Madras Emerging 4/2 and then against Sethu FC 5/3-to round off a perfect Day One.

On Day Two, Kickerz took on XIFT FA in their third group game, losing out by a solitary goal, 4/3.

This set up a final against XIFT FA, where the Indian outfit raised to a 3/0 lead at the short breather. The lads from Sri Lanka bounced back in sublime fashion, scoring three unanswered goals, as the match drew to an end after full time at 3-all.

In a penalty shoot-out, two XIFT FA players held their nerve to convert from the spot but only one Kickerz player was able to successfully score off the spot as XIFT FA ended the game as winners from the shoot-out.

Colombo Kickerz No. 10 Isaac Okoro was named Player of the Tournament in the segment while Coach Shaheer Riyad was the Best Coach of the segment as the lads from Colombo rounded off a successful tour to the Madras Super Cup 2025.

Tom McKibbin claimed victory at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday to qualify for the Masters for the first time and secure his place for The Open.

Leading from round one, the 22-year-old Hollywood golfer was consistent throughout as he triumphed in the prestigious Asian Tour event at Fanling.

McKibbin, who plays on the LIV Golf Tour and had a past win on the European Tour in 2023, began his challenge in superb fashion by shooting an official course record 60 on Thursday which set the tone for his week

He maintained his lead going into Sunday’s final round by one shot on MJ Maguire, shooting a final-round 63 to finish on 27 under par in warm and overcast conditions, which included eight birdies with five on the back nine.

‘I played some of the best golf I’ve ever played, so to shoot those scores around here is pretty special,’ he said.

‘For a tournament with so much history behind it and great players who have won this tournament, to have the scoring record is pretty special and it’s something that will live with me forever.

‘I dreamt of doing this since I was a young kid, and they come true if you train hard enough.’

McKibbin is a club-mate of five-time major winner Rory McIlroy, the current Masters champion.

Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club, one of Sri Lanka’s proudest cricket clubs, celebrated its 125th anniversary in grand style at the City of Dreams in Colombo on Friday. It was a night to remember, with over 300 guests – past and present Test cricketers, club members, officials from sister clubs and Sri Lanka Cricket – gathering under one roof to salute a club that has stood tall for a century and quarter.

The P. Sara Oval, Tamil Union’s cherished home, has been the stage for many golden chapters in the island’s cricketing tale – long before Sri Lanka earned its Test cap. It hosted the country’s inaugural Test against England in 1982 and the nation’s first ever Test win, over India, three years later – memories etched deep in the game’s folklore.

During the glittering ceremony, players who donned national colours through Tamil Union, along with the club’s past captains, presidents and secretaries, were honoured for their services with bat, ball and clipboard alike.

Club Secretary Anish Parathalingam opened the evening by underscoring the immense role Tamil Union has played in turning Sri Lankan cricket into a world force, while President Rev. Ramesh Schaffter paid tribute to generations of selfless individuals who had kept the flame burning bright.

Former Ceylon captain Michael Tissera, the Chief Guest, recalled the Oval’s rich heritage – including his own brush with glory when he drove the great Wesley Hall to the fence off the final ball to complete a century against the mighty West Indies.

The night reached its emotional high when two stalwarts – Muttiah Muralitharan, the world’s leading wicket-taker and Chandra Schaffter, at 95 the nation’s oldest living cricketer – received special mementos. Muralitharan, who wore Tamil Union colours throughout his first-class career, remains its crown jewel, while Schaffter, who joined as a teenager and went on to captain, serve as secretary and president, now stands proudly as Patron – the club’s living bridge across generations.

Shan made his debut at the senior level in 2023. He will have another 4th year coloursman, Nisith Kumarasinghe and 3rd year Coloursman Udan Wijekoon as his two deputy skippers.

Shan was the Vice-Captain of the unbeaten outfit at Under-16 level went on to win the All Island Invitation Sevens, Simithrarachchi Trophy and Tens champions in 2023 which was led by Udan Wijekoon. Shan also won several NDB Bank Player of the Match awards and recognition as Player of the Tournament in 2023.

Shan has done well in athletics and football as well. He captained the age-group teams and represented Sri Lanka at the Under-12 coaching camp in Barcelona, Spain.

Trinity under his leadership will be aiming to bring back the Bradby Shield to Central Hills in 2026.

We live in a world where transformation unseen in a century is accelerating. Now, the global deficits in peace, development, security, and governance continue to widen unabated. Though the international situation is going through changes and turbulence, China has demonstrated to the world the two miracles it has achieved – namely, rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. China’s stability has not only led to its effective governance but is also injecting valuable stability and positive energy into a turbulent world, bringing confidence and hope to people around the world who yearn for peace and prosperity.

1. The secret behind China’s stability

China’s stability stems from a sense of trust fostered by its institutional strengths

One of the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics is its ability to pool resources behind major undertakings to solve difficult problems. The nationwide unified response mechanism and ample policy toolkit enable China to calmly address various internal and external challenges. With an eye on achieving the twin goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, China has established the world’s largest clean energy production and distribution system, turning deserts green and skies bluer. The Chinese people truly feel that they are being protected by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Government as if under a solid shield, and that China’s national policies always make people’s interests the fundamental starting point and ultimate goal. As a result, the entire Chinese people highly support and fully trust China’s national system and development path.

China’s stability stems from a sense of gain derived from its growing economic prosperity

By advancing along the blueprint outlined in the Five-Year Plans, China has achieved remarkable economic development and become the world’s second-largest economy. From 1979 to 2023, China’s economic growth averaged 8.9% per year, far exceeding the global average of 3% over the same period. In 2024, China’s total economic output exceeded 130 trillion yuan (about $ 18 trillion) for the first time, and per capita disposable income surpassed 40,000 yuan (around $ 5,500), doubling from a decade ago. In addition, China’s GDP grew by 5.3% in the first half of this year. With prospering industries producing high-quality and affordable consumer goods, and technological innovations making life more convenient, every Chinese citizen can pursue their dreams and realise their potential in a stable environment. It is clear that a virtuous cycle of ‘stability-development-greater stability’ has taken shape.

China’s stability stems from people’s happiness created by their improving well-being

The CPC has always put people first. Since the reform and opening up, the Chinese Government has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, creating a miracle in human history. The Government has also built the world’s largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. The Peaceful China Initiative has yielded remarkable results, making China universally recognised as one of the safest countries. Under the leadership of the CPC, children are well-nurtured, students are well-educated, workers are well-paid, the sick are well-treated, and the elderly are well-cared for. The fruits of development are benefiting all people in a more equitable and comprehensive manner.

China’s stability stems from the people’s sense of participation as they become masters of their own country. The institutional arrangements for whole-process people’s democracy ensure that the people can participate in national governance through various channels. During the compilation of the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China, over 1.02 million opinions and suggestions were publicly solicited. During the drafting of the 14th Five-Year Plan, over 1.018 million suggestions were received online within two weeks. Today, more than 240 Chinese cities have launched citizens’ hotlines. With all these efforts, grassroots voices are being heard, public demands are being expressed, and pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most are being addressed. The genuine and effective democracy practised in China keeps winning the people’s support.

China’s stability stems from the core of its fine culture featuring harmony

The Chinese nation has always valued harmony and stability, and the culture of harmony is the ideological source of China’s long-term stability and order. On the basis of inheriting and developing its fine traditional culture, China vigorously promotes the core socialist values, advocating prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, the rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity, and amity. These values have become the ballast stone for building consensus across society and maintaining social harmony and stability.

2. China’s stability is a blessing for the world

As a responsible major country, China is not only committed to maintaining its own stability but has also been a stabilising force in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

China practises true multilateralism

China adheres to true multilateralism and supports the central role of the United Nations in international affairs. To date, China has become a member of almost all universal intergovernmental organisations and a party to over 600 international conventions and their amendments. At the 2025 SCO Tianjin Summit, President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative, advocating the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and forging a community with a shared future for humanity. This initiative, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, is another important public good that China has contributed to the world in the new era.

China resolutely safeguards world peace

China adheres to the path of peaceful development and consistently pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. It is a major country with the best track record on peace and security. China is the only nuclear power to have pledged not to use nuclear weapons first. It is also the largest troop-contributing country to UN peacekeeping operations among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping assessments. China consistently upholds the political settlement of disputes and actively resolves conflicts. With regard to the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has actively promoted peace talks. It has also facilitated the historic restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as reconciliation among different Palestinian factions. In May this year, China and 32 other countries jointly signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, filling a gap in international mediation mechanisms and contributing Chinese wisdom to resolving international disputes.

China shares its economic development opportunities with the world

China’s contribution to global economic growth has consistently remained around 30%, and it has become a top-three trading partner of 157 countries and regions, injecting strong momentum into global economic growth. China’s overseas direct investment has ranked among the top three globally for 13 consecutive years. The Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has benefited over 30 million people. The Belt and Road Initiative has become a ‘road to happiness’, connecting participating countries. China firmly upholds the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core, promotes high-standard opening up, and actively shares the opportunities of its vast domestic market, acting as an anchor against the surging tide of protectionism. China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions and has fully completed negotiations on Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. Economic and trade exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo and the Canton Fair have effectively promoted global trade and investment, demonstrating China’s resolve and commitment to supporting the multilateral trading system.

Looking to the future, China will continue to play the role of a major country and demonstrate its responsibility as one. It will use its own stability to inject valuable certainty into a turbulent world and make the two miracles that take place in China become the two miracles of the whole world.

The Ambassador – designate of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, M.K. Pathmanaathan assumed duties on 30 October 2025 at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul.

His assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organised by the staff of the Embassy. In his address to the staff of the Embassy, the Ambassador-designate emphasised the importance of safeguarding the welfare of Sri Lankan migrants and upholding an efficient and effective consular service for the Sri Lankan community in Korea. He also referred to the longstanding vibrant relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea; the need to further elevate trade, investment and tourism ties.

Ambassador-designate Pathmanaathan has served in various portfolios in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, and he served as the Additional Secretary/Africa and Consular Affairs Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry of Sri Lanka immediately prior to his retirement in March 2025. He has previously served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Egypt and Oman. He has also served in Sri Lanka Missions in Chennai, Kuala Lumpur and London in various capacities.

Ambassador-designate Pathmanathan has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Peradeniya and a Postgraduate Degree in International Relations from the Annamalai University in India.

On 28 October 2025, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Nimal Senadheera, presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty King Charles III at a ceremonial event held at Buckingham Palace. High Commissioner Senadheera, accompanied by his spouse and diplomatic officers, was escorted by Diplomatic Corps Assistant Marshal, Eleanor Mackewn, to the Palace in the traditional horse-drawn carriages of the Royal Mews, in keeping with the distinguished protocol accorded to new Heads of Mission.

During his audience with His Majesty the King, High Commissioner Senadheera conveyed the warmest felicitations of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, alongside best wishes for his good health and well-being. The discussion focused on deepening and intensifying the longstanding political, economic and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and the UK, and also with the Commonwealth.

In the evening, a Vin D’honneur was hosted at Sri Lanka House for Members of the Houses of Parliament, representatives of the UK Government, members of the diplomatic corps and the British Sri Lankan community to celebrate the occasion. In his address, High Commissioner Senadheera expressed gratitude for the support extended by the UK Government since his assumption of duties and emphasised the aspiration to further strengthen bilateral relations.

High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera is a senior officer in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) with an extensive career spanning several decades with wide experience in public policy and administration, diplomacy, and education.

Fitch Ratings said this week that the recent series of bilateral trade agreements between the US and several APAC countries reduce uncertainty around the outlook for Asia’s exporters, and could provide a slight lift to GDP over the next few years for the countries involved. However, many details are still to be clarified, and tariff rates remain subject to change.

Over 20 to 30 October, the US announced deals with China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and Cambodia. The greatest economic impact is likely to stem from a halving of the 20% fentanyl-related US tariff on China; this would reduce its effective tariff rate on China by around 10pp, other things being equal. The US and China have also agreed to pause for one year their recent tightening of trade restrictions, involving China’s curbs on rare earth exports, the US extension of export licensing requirements to companies majority-owned by entities on its key restriction lists, and higher bilateral tariffs.

Fitch expects these developments to have a small positive impact on economic growth in China and the US over 2026-2027. Some other Asian countries, especially Korea and Vietnam, should also see an uplift through the influence of stronger demand in China and the US, although in general the deals’ direct boost to growth will be more limited.

Greater clarity about tariffs should strengthen exporters’ confidence in planning medium- and long-term adjustments to supply chains. This, in turn, could support investment growth, particularly in markets with significant exports to the US, such as Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The trade deals indicate strong US support for the expansion of rare earth mining in non-China markets and could help drive investment in that sector in Southeast Asia and Australia, though we think the macroeconomic impact is unlikely to be significant in the next few years.

Fitch maintains its view that higher US tariffs will dampen US import demand and slow Asia’s export growth in 2026. Recent trade deals have moderated US tariff differentials between major Asian exporters, reducing prospects for tariff-driven supply-chain shifts within the region. However, India has yet to secure a trade deal with the US. Its 50% tariff is now significantly higher than those faced by most other Asian exporters – though the two countries may still reach an agreement in the near future. US tariffs on China also remain higher than those on most other countries, even after the latest agreement.

The reduction of the US tariff on car and auto parts imports from Korea, to 15% from 25%, brings it into line with that on similar Japanese and EU products. Korea also appears to have secured a commitment that any tariffs on semiconductors will not disadvantage Korea relative to Taiwan. Nonetheless, Korean and Japanese auto producers continue to face tariff-related challenges, and we expect Korea’s export growth to slow in 2026 as higher US tariffs and a slowdown in China hit sales.

‘Pledges by Japan and Korea to invest large sums in the US could face implementation challenges, but we cannot rule out an impact on Korea’s sovereign credit profile if such investments lead to sharp reductions in its foreign-exchange reserves. These investments, as well as the broader lack of clarity in the recent trade deals over the treatment of transhipments, are a potential source of future frictions with the US,’ Fitch said.

Meanwhile, according to Fitch, several governments in the region have adopted looser fiscal policy positions, such as Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand, in part to offset growth risks posed by the US trade actions in 2025. This may impede fiscal consolidation and affect public debt trajectories, which are an important rating sensitivity for some APAC sovereigns.

Give the devil its due, they say. Donald Trump deserves a few words of praise, at least, for instituting a pause rather than a ceasefire in Gaza. After two years of ceaseless bombing, genocide and pulverisation of Gaza by Israel, hundreds of thousands of its indigenous occupants who were driven out of their homes are returning. But the homes they were looking for are not there. They cannot even trace the exact location of where they lived, because Gaza has been turned into a mountain of rubble and the world’s largest waste dump. Yet, thanks to Trump, the returnees had at least one or two nights of sleep under a blue sky without fear of being bombed. Trump also needs to be thanked for admitting the failure of the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which, in the name of mercy, weaponised food and water to starve Gazans. For a few morsels of food and bottles of water, these wretched humans risked death when contravening GHF instructions. After the deal, however, only 300 aid-carrying trucks are allowed to enter Gaza. What they carry and deliver is a pittance in comparison to the total needs of this orphaned humanity. Yet, for these, one may thank Trump once more.

But to claim that the war is over and things are getting back to some normality is nothing but a hoax. Already Israel has broken one of its promises to allow 600 aid-carrying trucks daily to enter Gaza, and Netanyahu is still refusing to open the Raffa gate. IDF killings have not ceased. Since the peace deal came into effect, Israel has killed around 100 Gazans and wounded another 250. Lately, the Knesset has approved annexation of the West Bank. Who is Trump fooling?

The immediate objective behind Trump’s 20-point peace plan is to exert pressure on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, including the dead, in return for 2,250 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 250 are serving life sentences. There are still 9,000 Palestinians remaining locked up inside Israel’s hell, starved and tortured. Even among those freed, the two most popular Palestinian leaders, Marvan Bhagouti and Ahmad Sa’adat, the leader of the Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PLFP), were not included. Yet, even before the hostage-prisoner exchange was completed, Israel resumed bombing after accusing Hamas of killing two Israeli soldiers and failing to return all hostages. Western media, as usual, propagate the Hasbara version of events to justify the bombing. For example, among the dead hostages are the bodies of some who were deliberately killed by the IDF under the Hanibal directive, issued in October 2023, to prevent any future hostage deal with Hamas. Also, some of the dead are buried under heaps of concrete rubble, which is difficult to unearth without heavy equipment. Finally, with the Knesset approving annexation of the West Bank, settler harassment against Palestinians has reached a new height. Despite these setbacks, Trump insists that the ceasefire still holds, and Vice-President Vance says that it will take time to achieve normality. But Trump repeats his warning to Hamas: either comply with disarmament or be annihilated. Is it that simple?

Behind all this drama lies one basic and incontrovertible truth: the so-called peace plan is a tacit admission of Israel’s failure to eliminate Hamas despite Israel’s overwhelming military arsenal and might. Netanyahu’s regime failed to break the determination of Palestinians not to surrender to the coloniser’s bullying and barbarism. Even after sacrificing the lives of over 70,000 men, women and children, which is obviously an undercount, and losing 190,115 buildings and 330,500 housing units according to a report published by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Palestinian resistance led by Hamas, with assistance from Lebanon and Yemen, has remained steadfast and has not been weakened even by an iota. It is this heroism and challenge amidst Israel’s carnage that eventually angered and awakened the rest of humanity, as is evident from worldwide pro-Palestine rallies and demonstrations. It is also this awakening that prompted Trump to come out with his deceptive peace deal.

Trump’s 20-point peace plan is a malicious document disgracefully endorsed by five Arab (Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and three non-Arab (Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia) Muslim states. After endorsing that document, these Muslim vassals declared, ‘We are united in our determination to dismantle extremism and radicalisation in all its forms. No society can flourish when violence and racism is normalised, or when radical ideologies threaten the fabric of civil life.’ In short, these vassals are in total agreement with Trump’s stand that Hamas is a violent entity that needs to be eliminated and removed from any involvement in the affairs of Gaza. Hamas may change its identity and even join other resistance groups such as the new Al-Quds Brigade, Islamic Jihad Movement, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, but to disarm is to give up the Palestine cause itself. Armed resistance against the conquest and genocide by Israel and to establish an independent Palestinian State is an existential choice and cannot be surrendered to international mediation. If there is to be any international peacekeeping force in Gaza at all, it should be of entirely Arab composition, and that force should be placed closer to the Israeli border.

Nowhere in Trump’s plan can one find any promise of a future Palestinian State except to recognise it only as an ‘aspiration’ of Palestinians. According to item 19, ‘While Gaza’s redevelopment advances and when the PA reform program is fully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognise as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.’ Neither is there a definite date set for the total withdrawal of Israel from Gaza. The so-called ‘agreed line’ set for the IDF to pull back is only to facilitate the hostage-prisoner exchange. Once it is completed, that agreed line could become Israel’s new territorial boundary.

Trump’s reiteration of rebuilding Gaza does not specify who would bear the cost, which, according to UNDP, would amount to at least $ 70 billion and possibly more. Shouldn’t Israel, the destroyer, be asked to foot the bill? Or is it the US and Europe that are going to spend on behalf of Israel? Trump’s inclusion of the eight Muslim countries to endorse his plan is to invite the oil-rich Arab vassals to bear most, if not the entire, cost of restructuring Gaza. But restructuring for whose benefit? Is it to create another Riviera?

Point 9 of the plan proposes to establish ‘a temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities of the people of Gaza.’ This committee is expected to be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts with oversight and supervision by a new international transition body, ‘the Board of Peace,’ headed by Trump and others, including possibly the infamous Tony Blair. If anyone believes that this so-called Board of Peace supervising the transitional governance would be free of pro-Zionist bias, one would be fooling oneself.

The real tragedy behind the agony of Palestine since 1948 is the betrayal of Arab states. It was their disunity, self-interest and intrigues that enabled the imperial powers to create Israel and build it as an unchallengeable military monster. In return for Arab compliance, the same powers undertook to guarantee protection of these puppet regimes from any threat emerging from within or without. Trump’s Abraham Accords are intended to ratify that unwritten commitment into a pact. The Arab states’ endorsement of the peace deal is the product of this arrangement. In 1968, when Yasser Arafat was questioned by a TV journalist after the PLO’s destruction of an El Al passenger jet and asked how the PLO would destroy Israel, Arafat responded that the PLO would not enter Israel directly but through the Arab states. That strategy is valid even today. Will the Arab masses rise up?

In the final analysis, Trump’s 20-point peace plan is a deceptive instrument aimed not at laying the foundation for an independent Palestinian State but at preparing the ground for Zionist Israel to walk in peacefully – not simply to consummate Israel’s project for Eretz Israel only, but also to solidify US Middle East Order. This is why armed resistance must continue, and it will until Palestinians take control of their land and resources.