International Desk: US President Donald Trump has taken action against the Palestinians again. According to a Reuters report, the Trump administration will send foreign students who participated in protests in favor of the Palestinians to their respective countries. Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday (January 29).
Reuters says that in light of Trump’s executive order, the federal government will be able to take steps to impose severe penalties on those who make terrorist threats, commit arson, vandalize, and commit violence against American Jews. In the meantime, President Trump has instructed the Justice Department to take immediate action against them.
In a fact sheet regarding this, Trump said to expatriates and foreign students, “We have you under surveillance who joined the pro-jihadist movement. We will find you and send you back to your respective countries.” The visas of all foreign students who show sympathy for Hamas on educational campuses will be canceled immediately.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack from Gaza towards Israel. At the same time, Hamas fighters crossed into Israeli territory and carried out atrocities in the country. At least 1,200 people were killed in Israel. Hamas also took 250 people hostage. On the same day, Israeli forces launched a counterattack on Gaza. This war lasted until January 19. At least 46,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza.
During the war, protests were held in various colleges and universities in the United States in favor of Palestine. Hundreds of students demonstrated in favor of Palestine and called for an end to the war in Gaza.
However, pro-Palestinian activists criticized Trump’s move. They see this move as a tactic to silence those who are agitating for an independent Palestine.
