Trump’s proposal for Gaza, which included U.S. control and Palestinian relocation to neighboring countries, faced immediate backlash from Arab leaders. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan collectively rejected the ideas, affirming their support for Palestinian rights and statehood. The broader implications suggest a potential derailment of international efforts towards a two-state solution.
US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal concerning Gaza, which suggested that the U.S. take control of the area to promote economic development while displacing Palestinians to neighboring countries, has drawn fire from key Arab leaders. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan have collectively rejected his ideas, reiterating their commitment to Palestinian rights and sovereignty, thus signaling a unified regional response to the plan.
Saudi Arabia’s position on Palestinian statehood is clear: the Kingdom opposes any plan that would displace Palestinians or detract from their quest for an independent state. In a statement from February 5, 2025, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reinforced their support for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has consistently articulated that normalization with Israel hinges on a solid commitment to the rights of Palestinians.
Academic viewpoints also underline the implications of Trump’s proposal. Md Muddassir Quamar, an Associate Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, pointed out that suggesting relocation of Palestinians to countries like Egypt and Jordan undermines international principles aimed at achieving a lasting peace. He emphasized that this plan adds to the humanitarian crisis and disrespects Palestinian rights.
Egypt and Jordan, crucial advocates for Palestinian rights, have also expressed their strong disapproval of Trump’s suggestions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the complexity of the Middle East crisis and warned that any proposal involving Palestinian displacement would not be accepted. Jordanian King Abdullah II echoed this sentiment, stating that peace must be rooted in the recognition of Palestinian rights.
The broader regional concern reflects a fear that Trump’s comments aim to circumvent long-cherished international efforts toward a two-state solution, jeopardizing Palestinian independence. Prof. Quamar articulated concerns that such plans only exacerbate the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people. He argued that the focus should not solely be on rebuilding Gaza, but rather on affirming the rights of Palestinians.
The article discusses the response of Saudi Arabia and other Arab leaders to US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza. Trump’s plan involved the U.S. taking control of the Gaza Strip to promote economic development, while displacing Palestinians to countries like Egypt and Jordan. This was met with significant backlash from key Arab nations, who reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian rights and opposed any solutions that compromise sovereignty or statehood for Palestinians. The justification of their opposition is grounded in longstanding principles that favor the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The article outlines a united Arab response against Trump’s Gaza plan, with emphasis on the steadfast commitment of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan to Palestinian rights. Key leaders stressed that any solution must uphold Palestinian sovereignty and the right to a homeland, rejecting proposals that involve displacement. The broader implications suggest that such U.S. proposals risk undermining decades of efforts aimed at achieving a two-state solution, highlighting a significant regional concern over the future of Palestinian statehood.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
