Egypt, Hamas, and the PLO welcome President Trump’s assurance that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza. His remarks may indicate a shift away from previous proposals to displace the Palestinian population. The response from these groups emphasizes the importance of this declaration in advancing peace efforts.
On Thursday, Egypt, Hamas, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s assurance that Palestinians would not face expulsion from Gaza. This development raises questions regarding whether Trump’s remarks indicate a deviation from his previous plans aimed at taking control of Palestinian territories and relocating their population.
In a statement made at the White House, President Trump remarked, “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” in response to a question about discussions related to the potential displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. This comment came during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin.
Egypt, involved in mediating truce negotiations between Hamas and Israel alongside the U.S. and Qatar, expressed gratitude for Trump’s statements, characterizing them as a “positive direction” that should facilitate the pursuit of peace.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem celebrated the comments, interpreting them as a significant retraction from earlier U.S. proposals concerning Gaza. “Trump’s statements regarding not expelling Gaza’s residents are welcome,” he said in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Trump’s proposals regarding Gaza have faced extensive criticism from various quarters, including U.S. allies, and have been countered by an Arab plan aimed at rebuilding the Gaza Strip under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh acknowledged the U.S. president’s remarks, noting, “We appreciate the statements of the U.S. president in which he confirmed that the residents of the Gaza Strip are not required to leave their homeland.” This Egyptian-led initiative received support from the Arab League and was adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which comprises 57 member states.
The collaborative response from Egypt, Hamas, and the PLO to President Trump’s statements underscores a shift in the U.S. stance regarding potential Palestinian expulsion from Gaza. This affirmation is viewed as a crucial step towards peace negotiations and highlights the significance of regional cooperation among the involved parties. Continued dialogue appears essential in addressing the longstanding conflict and enhancing prospects for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
