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Jimmy Williams
Jared Kushner, who worked closely with former President Donald Trump, recently sparked controversy for his comments regarding Gaza’s waterfront property during an event at Harvard University on March 8.
Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior advisor, suggested that the Gaza Strip’s coastline could be valuable if efforts were made to improve livelihoods there. He remarked, “Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable…if people would focus on building up livelihoods.”
Kushner’s statements drew swift criticism on social media platforms. Dylan Williams, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Center for International Policy, expressed his disapproval, stating, “[Just] days after the @ADL’s @JGreenblattADL gave him an award for ‘his record of policy work,’ Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner openly advocates for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.”
Earlier this month, Kushner received an award from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for his role in the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries. Despite the backlash, the ADL stood by its decision to honor Kushner, highlighting his contributions to peace in the Middle East.
Kushner’s remarks come amidst ongoing Republican efforts to downplay Palestinian claims to territory and nationhood during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some GOP lawmakers have hinted at supporting the removal of Palestinians from Israeli-occupied lands. One Tennessee Republican even faced criticism for suggesting to “kill them all” when confronted by a Palestinian activist.
While Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, have distanced themselves from Trump’s post-presidency activities, Kushner remains influential in Trump’s circle. Although he lacks formal foreign policy experience, Kushner played a significant role in Middle East diplomacy during the Trump administration. He cultivated relationships with countries like Saudi Arabia, facilitated the Abraham Accords, and led efforts to negotiate an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.
