Egypt, Jordan, Hamas, and the PLO welcomed President Trump’s assurance that no Palestinians would be expelled from Gaza. Discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction ensued in Doha among Arab ministers and a U.S. envoy. Officials expressed appreciation for Trump’s shift away from previous expulsion proposals and highlighted the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace.
On Thursday, Egypt, Jordan, Hamas, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) expressed approval for comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, wherein he affirmed that “nobody’s expelling any Palestinians” from the Gaza Strip. This statement raised questions about whether Trump was retreating from a previously criticized proposal that suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring nations.
In Doha, discussions regarding Gaza’s reconstruction were held between Arab foreign ministers and U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. The meeting focused on the Gaza reconstruction plan ratified during the Arab League Summit on March 4, 2025, with an agreement to continue collaboration on rebuilding efforts.
Trump’s declaration was made in response to a journalist’s inquiry about possible expulsion plans during a conversation with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin. Egyptian officials welcomed Trump’s remarks, interpreting them as a positive development in the pursuit of peace, while also acknowledging ongoing mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel.
In addition, Jordan underscored the significance of achieving a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. Despite Trump’s earlier suggestion to displace over two million Gazans during an encounter with Netanyahu, both Egypt and Jordan had rejected this idea, which prompted Trump to assert that he was “not forcing” it.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem expressed his approval of Trump’s statements, viewing them as a positive shift regarding U.S. policy towards Gaza. Meanwhile, the PLO’s secretary-general, Hussein al-Sheikh, conveyed gratitude for Trump’s confirmation that Gaza’s residents are not obliged to leave.
The Arab League has pushed for a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, embraced by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, emphasizing collective efforts to support Palestinian governance and reconstruction initiatives.
The remarks made by President Trump have been welcomed by various Arab nations and organizations as a move away from policies proposing the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. The discussions on reconstruction, following the Arab League’s framework, signal a collaborative effort towards stability in the region. The ongoing diplomatic interactions underscore the importance of a meaningful resolution centered on a two-state solution.
Original Source: gulfnews.com