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Arab Nations Firmly Reject Trump’s Proposal for Palestinian Relocation to Egypt and Jordan
A coalition of influential Arab nations issued a resolute statement on Saturday, rejecting President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan. This consensus emerged during a significant meeting held in Cairo, featuring the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, alongside key officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization and the League of Arab States.
Joint Statement from Arab Leaders
The talks culminated in a joint statement emphasizing their unwavering support for the Palestinian people. The leaders reiterated their commitment to the Palestinians’ fundamental rights, as recognized under international law. The statement expressed strong opposition to actions that may violate these inalienable rights, including settlement expansions, home demolitions, land annexations, and any attempts at forcibly displacing Palestinians.
Rejection of Displacement Initiatives
According to the statement, the leaders categorically rejected any suggestions that would lead to the uprooting of Palestinians from their homeland. They underscored that such actions could threaten regional stability, escalate the ongoing conflict, and undermine the prospects for peace and coexistence among the peoples of the region.
Cease-Fire and Peace Efforts
The statement also welcomed the cease-fire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The participants affirmed their commitment to collaborate with the Trump administration to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, adhering closely to the two-state solution.
Trump’s Comments on the Situation
In response to a question in the Oval Office, President Trump expressed confidence that both Egypt and Jordan would accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, despite their governments’ denials. He remarked, “I think Jordan will take people, yeah, people from Gaza, and I think Egypt will take them also.” Trump has previously advocated for Egypt to accept approximately 1.5 million Palestinians.
The Context of the Gaza War
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that led to substantial Israeli casualties, has resulted in significant devastation in the region. While many believe that the military actions have diminished Hamas’s influence, the prospects for reconstruction and a leadership change absent terrorist control remain uncertain amidst a precarious cease-fire agreement.
Local and International Responses
Recently, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed that transferring Palestinians from Gaza was intolerable and unjustifiable. He reiterated that the solution lies in establishing a Palestinian state rather than displacing its people.
Similarly, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi voiced his country’s firm opposition to Trump’s suggestion, stating that it was unwavering.
International Dialogue Continues
Following these developments, President El-Sisi spoke with Trump, emphasizing the necessity for a lasting peace in the Middle East. Their discussion highlighted the importance of advancing the cease-fire agreement and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches residents in Gaza.
Demographics and Historical Context
Jordan currently hosts more than 2 million Palestinians, giving it a significant stake in the stability of the region. Egypt has shown concerns regarding the security implications of relocating a large number of Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula, which borders Gaza. Both countries, pioneers in peace efforts with Israel, continue to support the establishment of a Palestinian state in the territories of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Rising Tensions Around Humanitarian Aid
In a related development, the Israeli government issued an order to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to halt its operations amid allegations of its connections to Hamas. This action further complicates the humanitarian landscape in Gaza, exacerbating the crises faced by civilians there.
A Path Toward Peace
Moving forward, the international community remains watchful as these discussions unfold. The leaders emphasized the urgent need for a renewed peace process aimed at achieving sustainable solutions to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
