Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of Palestine to the UN, rejected forced relocation proposals for Palestinians in Gaza. Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Saudi Arabia voiced strong opposition to displacement. Mansour stressed the Palestinian Authority’s legitimacy, highlighting unity among Arab nations in supporting Palestinian sovereignty and condemning war crimes committed by Israeli leaders, while reaffirming the enduring Palestinian connection to their homeland.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian permanent observer to the UN, has firmly rejected any proposals for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan or Egypt. In a discussion on Arab News’s “Frankly Speaking,” he emphasized the Palestinian people’s right to establish their own state. The proposal by Donald Trump has received strong opposition from Middle Eastern leaders.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II, the first Arab leader to meet Trump post-election, stated that Jordan will not accept any forced transfers. The king instead offered to admit 2,000 critically ill Palestinian children for medical treatment. Mansour highlighted the consistent Arab rejection of displacement, affirming Jordan’s commitment to see a ceasefire and support a two-state solution.
Following Trump’s comments on controlling Gaza, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed the rights of Palestinians to their land. The Saudi Foreign Ministry asserted that Palestinians are not outsiders to be expelled at will. Mansour acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s critical support for Palestinian sovereignty and noted a shared Arab stance against occupations.
Mansour pointed to the Arab Peace Initiative from 2002 as a framework for Palestinian statehood, which he praised. The Palestinian Authority (PA) was emphasized as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, with responsibilities for governance in Gaza post-war. He advocated for a shared approach with Saudi Arabia to combat disenfranchising narratives and promote Palestinian rights.
Netanyahu faces growing scrutiny amid corruption charges and accusations of war crimes in Gaza, where an ICC arrest warrant was issued against him. Mansour stressed that the international community must hold Netanyahu accountable, viewing him as a criminal under international law for his actions in Gaza.
In addressing the conflict’s historical context, Mansour reiterated that nothing justifies Israel’s military conduct following Hamas’s actions on October 7, asserting that the historic oppression of Palestinians cannot be overlooked. Current estimates suggest around 64,000 fatalities since the conflict escalated, with massive injuries and societal impacts.
With future governance of Gaza uncertain, Mansour insisted that the PA remains the legitimate governing body. He outlined plans developed with Egypt focusing on PA leadership in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza. He asserted international support for the PA as crucial for regional stability.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit from the Arab League suggested Hamas reconsider its governance role to benefit Palestinians, with Mansour emphasizing internal unity and self-determination among Palestinian groups. He noted the pressing need for internal matters to be resolved following any ceasefire, reaffirming collective Palestinian interests.
Mansour refuted Trump’s claims of a Palestinian desire to leave Gaza, highlighting the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals to war-torn regions. He stated the deep emotional and historical ties Palestinians have to their homeland, emphasizing their unwavering connection and commitment to remaining in Palestine.
With the PA viewed as the legitimate authority, Mansour underscored the refusal of Palestinians to accept forced relocation, asserting their choice to return to cherished lands regardless of conditions. He emphasized that love for their homeland drives their struggle, making it clear that Palestine is the only homeland they will defend.
In summary, the Palestinian leadership strongly opposes proposals for the forced relocation of Gazans, highlighting their right to self-determination and statehood. Key regional leaders, notably from Jordan and Saudi Arabia, echo this stance, emphasizing sovereignty and the need for a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority asserts its role in future governance, rejecting external narratives aimed at diminishing Palestinian rights. Amid ongoing conflicts, the narrative of Palestinian attachment to their homeland remains prominent.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
