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Arab Leaders Unite in Forceful Rejection of Trump's Gaza Displacement

Arab nations unite in opposition to Trump's Gaza relocation proposal as foreign ministers warn against Palestinian displacement in joint letter to Secretary Rubio. Regional leaders demand Palestinian involvement in Gaza reconstruction while emphasizing commitment to two-state solution.

Palestinians transport people to Gaza City, following a ceasefire with Israel, on February 2, 2025
Photo by Ali Hassan/Flash90

In a rare show of regional unity, key Arab nations have forcefully rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's Palestinians to neighboring countries, warning the plan could destabilize the Middle East and amount to ethnic cleansing.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared that Palestinian displacement "can never be tolerated or allowed," citing national security concerns. Jordan, where Palestinians already make up over 70% of the population under Hashemite royal rule, took an equally firm stance.

"Jordan's rejection of any displacement of Palestinians is firm and unwavering," stated Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. "Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians."

The proposal, floated by Trump in January 2025, suggested moving Gaza's population to Egypt and Jordan either temporarily or long-term. "It's literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything's demolished, and people are dying there," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, suggesting he'd "rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location."

Five Arab foreign ministers and Palestinian Authority officials responded Monday with a joint letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opposing the plan. The diplomatic initiative from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan emphasized Palestinians must lead Gaza's reconstruction with international support.

The United Nations joined the opposition, with its spokesperson warning against forced displacement. Several European nations, including Germany, France, and Spain, have also criticized the proposal.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained non-committal publicly, his acceptance of Trump's invitation to Washington following the proposal has been interpreted by some as tacit support.

Palestinian leaders view the plan as continuation of historical injustices, while the Arab League, representing 22 member states, warns it could trigger regional instability and derail peace prospects. The organization published its formal rejection following a summit meeting in Cairo on Saturday.

JNS contributed to this article.


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