Arab Nations Firmly Reject Trump’s Proposal to Relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan

Arab Nations Firmly Reject Trump’s Proposal to Relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan

In a significant statement, a coalition of influential Arab countries has dismissed President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. The foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt convened in Cairo on Saturday, issuing a joint declaration that underscores their collective stance.

Support for Palestinian Rights

The joint statement reaffirms the Arab nations’ unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for their land and rights. The officials highlighted that their commitment to international law is paramount in preserving the rights of Palestinians. They condemned any attempts to undermine these rights through actions such as settlement expansions and home demolitions.

“We reject any actions that violate these inalienable rights,” the statement read. Furthermore, the leaders emphasized that any efforts to transfer or uproot Palestinians from their homeland would not be tolerated under any circumstances, as such actions pose a threat to regional stability and exacerbate tensions.

Commitment to Peace

The statement also expressed approval for the recent cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The participating nations affirmed their dedication to working alongside the Trump administration to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, which seeks to establish a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Trump’s Controversial Remarks

When questioned about his proposal in a recent Oval Office interview, Trump expressed optimism regarding the acceptance of Palestinians by Jordan and Egypt. “I think Jordan will take people, yeah. I feel confident they will,” he stated, despite both countries’ explicit denials of such intentions.

This proposal is rooted in the context of ongoing conflict following the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant loss of life and escalated violence in the region. While Trump initially floated the idea of relocating approximately 1.5 million people from Gaza, he described the situation as a “demolition site,” reflecting his desire to see a proactive approach to the humanitarian crisis.

Reactions from Regional Leaders

In contrasting remarks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi firmly opposed the idea of transferring Palestinians, stating that “the solution is not to remove the Palestinian people from their place.” He called for the establishment of a Palestinian state as the pathway to resolving the ongoing crisis.

Similarly, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized his country’s staunch opposition to the relocation proposal as “firm and unwavering.” Amid these developments, Egypt has expressed specific concerns related to the security implications of transferring large numbers of Palestinians to its territory, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula.

The Historical Context

Jordan currently hosts over two million Palestinians and has a historical stance advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Both Jordan and Egypt, the first Arab nations to forge peace with Israel, have long supported the creation of a viable Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

As regional dynamics unfold, the ongoing discussions underscore the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly regarding the persistent Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump’s proposal, viewed by many as problematic, continues to be a point of contention among key stakeholders in the region.

Looking Forward

In the wake of the recent conversations between Trump and El-Sisi, both leaders emphasized the need to enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s residents and reinforce the current cease-fire measures. The Egyptian government highlighted the importance of fostering a lasting peace in the region, aligning with international perspectives on the necessity for a sustainable resolution to the protracted conflict.

Moving forward, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue that leads to a peaceful solution, honoring the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people while ensuring stability in the region.

Reporting by Associated Press contributed to this article.