Saudi Arabia is hosting an Arab summit on February 20 to discuss President Trump’s contentious Gaza takeover plan, attended by leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, plus Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The summit emerges amid a global backlash over proposed displacement of Palestinians, reflecting a unified Arab response and Saudi Arabia’s role in regional diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia will convene an Arab summit on February 20, intending to address President Trump’s controversial proposal regarding the U.S. administration’s potential takeover of Gaza. The summit will include leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, in advance of a broader Arab League meeting on the issue the following week. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas is also expected to participate.
Trump’s plan has drawn criticism globally for suggesting the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which evokes historical traumas such as the Nakba, referring to the displacement during Israel’s establishment in 1948. Despite the backlash, Trump indicated that aid could be withheld from Jordan and Egypt if they opposed his approach, as both countries already host significant Palestinian populations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed the administration’s interest in hearing proposals from Arab nations but reiterated that the Trump plan is the only framework currently on the table. Rubio’s comments follow a prior outline by Antony Blinken advocating for a pathway to Palestinian statehood, which Israel rejects.
As Saudi Arabia assumes a more prominent diplomatic role, the summit signifies its commitment to supporting Egypt and Jordan amid concerns over potential displacement. The meeting aims to craft a cohesive Arab response and establish alternative solutions to the challenges faced by Palestinians. Experts believe this summit could unify Arab states in opposition to Trump’s proposals.
Saudi Arabia’s upcoming summit highlights the regional concern over President Trump’s Gaza plan, which risks mass displacement of Palestinians. With significant leaders attending, the gathering aims to unify Arab nations against the proposal and explore alternative solutions to the Palestinian issue. This effort reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in regional diplomacy and its backing of neighbors facing threats related to the refugee crisis.
Original Source: www.france24.com
