Pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility on Saturday for vandalising one of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s golf resorts in Scotland. The act was carried out in response to Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip.
The activists targeted Trump’s Turnberry golf course and hotel, located in southwest Scotland, during the night. They painted the phrase “Gaza Is Not For Sale” in large letters across the resort’s lawn and used red spray paint to deface the exterior wall of the clubhouse. The protest was organised by the group Palestine Action, which stated that it “rejects Donald Trump’s treatment of Gaza as though it were his property to dispose of as he likes.”
In a statement, the group said, “To make that clear, we have shown him that his own property is not safe from acts of resistance.” The activists aimed to draw attention to their opposition to Trump’s suggestion, which they view as an affront to the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.
Police Scotland confirmed that they received a report of criminal damage at the golf course in the early hours of Saturday. A spokesperson stated that investigations are ongoing, but no arrests have been made so far.
Trump Turnberry, the luxury resort owned by the former U.S. president, condemned the act as a “childish, criminal act” and assured that it would take steps to ensure the incident does not disrupt its operations or affect its business. The resort is one of Trump’s most high-profile properties in the UK and is a popular destination for golfers and tourists.
The protest comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of Gaza. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which had paused a 15-month-long conflict, recently ended its first phase without clarity on what the next steps will be. The second phase of the agreement has yet to be finalised, leaving the region in a precarious state.
The activists’ actions have sparked debate, with some condemning the vandalism as counterproductive, while others argue that it highlights the urgency of addressing the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. The incident also underscores the global attention and strong emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in light of Trump’s polarising policies during his presidency.
As investigations continue, the vandalism at Trump Turnberry serves as a stark reminder of the tensions and divisions that persist over the issue of Palestinian rights and the broader Middle East peace process.
