Egypt and Jordan praise President Trump’s comments against expelling Palestinians from Gaza. Trump’s statements may signify a shift from earlier proposals suggesting US control and forced relocation to neighboring countries. The move is welcomed by Gaza’s leadership and is supported by new reconstruction plans led by Arab nations, emphasizing the need for a peaceful two-state solution.
The governments of Egypt and Jordan have reacted positively to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that Palestinians will not be expelled from the Gaza Strip. These comments come as a potential alteration to Trump’s previous proposal which suggested U.S. control over Gaza and the expulsion of its Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, a plan both Egypt and Jordan rejected outright.
During a Wednesday press conference, President Trump stated, “Nobody will expel the Palestinians,” in response to inquiries about discussions regarding the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. This marked a significant shift from earlier statements where he proposed transforming Gaza into a luxurious destination while suggesting the relocation of its residents.
The Egyptian foreign ministry expressed gratitude for Trump’s comments, highlighting the importance of not expelling Gaza’s inhabitants. Similarly, Jordan’s foreign ministry welcomed the remarks, underscoring the necessity of achieving a lasting peace through a two-state solution, in which both Palestinians and Israelis can coexist peacefully.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem indicated that Trump’s apparent change in stance was positively received in Gaza, and Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, emphasized the significance of the U.S. president’s commitment to allowing the residents of Gaza to remain in their homeland.
In recent developments, Arab nations proposed a comprehensive alternative to the forced expulsion plan. Spearheaded by Egypt, this initiative includes a $53 billion budget and a timeline aimed at the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from ongoing conflict. This reconstruction vision received endorsement from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and support from several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.
In summary, the remarks made by President Trump declaring that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza have been well-received by both Egypt and Jordan, marking a potential departure from previous proposals. This shift in rhetoric aligns with broader regional efforts to seek a peaceful resolution that respects the rights of Gazans while exploring reconstruction efforts for the devastated enclave. The ongoing discourse surrounding this issue remains critical in the quest for a sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net