Egypt, Hamas, and the PLO welcomed President Trump’s assurance that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza, interpreting it as a potential reversal of his previous proposals. Trump’s comments have been appreciated as a positive step towards peace negotiations amid ongoing mediation efforts.
On Thursday, Egypt, Hamas, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) expressed their approval of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assurances that Palestinians would not be expelled from Gaza. This declaration raised questions about whether it indicated a reversal of Trump’s earlier plan, which involved potentially displacing Palestinians from their territories to neighboring countries.
In a statement made on Wednesday at the White House, President Trump stated, “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” dismissing inquiries regarding discussions about expelling Palestinians from Gaza during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin.
Egypt, alongside the United States and Qatar, is conducting truce negotiations between Hamas and Israel, and it conveyed gratitude for Trump’s assurance concerning the residents of Gaza. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry deemed Trump’s comments as a “positive direction” that should be leveraged to foster peace efforts.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem characterized the statement as a significant “clear retreat” from U.S. proposals impacting Gaza. He remarked to Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Trump’s assertion against the expulsion of Gaza’s residents was a positive development.
The proposal made by Trump has faced widespread opposition, even from U.S. allies, and was countered by an Arab initiative aimed at rebuilding the Gaza Strip under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the PLO, expressed appreciation for Trump’s reaffirmation that Gaza residents would remain in their homeland. The Egyptian-led initiative has been endorsed by the Arab League and the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The recent statements by President Trump regarding the non-expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza have garnered significant support from Egypt, Hamas, and the PLO. While this was seen as a positive shift by these parties, Trump’s earlier proposals have faced substantial rejection on the international stage. The ongoing mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel may benefit from this new development, as stakeholders look for pathways to peace in the region.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
