30 September 2025
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has warned that a ‘peace deal’ announced by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu will not deliver peace or justice for Palestinians.
She was speaking after the deal was announced on Tuesday morning.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“People around the world are desperate to see peace in Gaza for the Palestinian people - none more so than those trapped in the living hell of Gaza itself. If I thought this deal would end that suffering I would welcome it, but coming from two bad faith actors like Trump and Netanyahu there is a real danger it could make things even worse.
“Within minutes of the announcement Netanyahu was triumphantly declaring victory, ruling out the possibility of a Palestinian state or Israeli withdrawal. This is being imposed over the heads of people in Gaza, with the threat of further violence if they do not submit to demands.
“I am also deeply concerned about the role of Trump himself and Tony Blair in any body overseeing Gaza. Blair’s previously forays in the region, the Iraq war and his subsequent period as envoy, cannot give Palestinians any confidence that they will be treated fairly.
“The way this has been handled totally undermines international law. Netanyahu should be under arrest, not doing deals with Trump. The failure of world leaders to intervene has brought us to this stage and I fear for what it means for the future. For Palestinians, this risks being yet another false dawn, designed to serve the interests of leaders, not the rights of people.”