Egypt and Jordan have welcomed President Trump’s statement that no Palestinians will be expelled from Gaza. This marks a potential shift from earlier proposals suggesting control over Gaza, which were met with strong opposition. A reconstruction plan proposed by Arab states, emphasizing support for Gaza, has also emerged, highlighting efforts towards peace and recovery.
Egypt and Jordan have expressed their approval of remarks made by United States President Donald Trump, indicating that the expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip will not occur. It remains ambiguous whether these comments signal a departure from Trump’s earlier proposition to assume control over Gaza and transform it into a luxurious area akin to the “Riviera of the Middle East,” which included plans for the relocation of Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt—an idea both nations strongly opposed.
During a press conference on Wednesday, President Trump clarified, “Nobody will expel the Palestinians,” in response to a question regarding discussions on expelling Gaza’s residents during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin. Egypt’s foreign ministry conveyed appreciation for Trump’s commitment to not forcefully remove Gaza’s inhabitants.
In a similar vein, Jordan’s foreign ministry welcomed the President’s comments, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a just and lasting peace in the region, adhering to the principle of a two-state solution. Furthermore, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem noted that Trump’s change of heart was positively received in Gaza. Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the confirmation that residents of Gaza would remain in their homeland.
Recently, Arab states introduced an alternative strategy to Trump’s earlier plan, championed by Egypt. This proposal allocates a $53 billion budget and outlines a five-year roadmap for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from ongoing conflict. It also proposes a framework for governance in the region post-conflict and has received backing from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as well as support from several European nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.
The article highlights the positive reception by Egypt and Jordan towards President Trump’s recent declaration that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza. This sentiment is echoed by groups within Gaza and reflects a significant turnaround from prior proposals suggesting otherwise. Furthermore, the introduction of an alternative reconstruction plan by Arab states underscores a collaborative effort towards achieving stability and peace in the region, moving away from forced relocation and towards rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
