Synopsis
On March 14, 2023, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt expressed their approval of US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from his plan to displace over 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This decision was seen as a positive step towards peace efforts in the region.Key Takeaways
- Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt support Trump's retreat from the displacement plan.
- Nabil Abu Rudeineh emphasizes the importance of international legitimacy.
- Ongoing Palestinian-Arab coordination is crucial for Gaza's future.
- Hamas welcomes the abandonment of the displacement idea.
- Jordan and Egypt highlight the necessity for a two-state solution.
Ramallah, March 14 (NationPress) Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt expressed their appreciation for US President Donald Trump's decision to retract his earlier proposal to displace over 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
In a statement from the Palestinian official news agency WAFA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information Nabil Abu Rudeineh referred to the US reversal as an "encouraging step" and a move in the "right direction". He expressed hope that this would pave the way for a political process grounded in international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Abu Rudeineh highlighted the significance of ongoing Palestinian-Arab collaboration, which he believes could bolster an Arab-led strategy for the reconstruction of Gaza and a political process aimed at establishing a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the Xinhua news agency.
On the same day, Hamas indicated that "if Trump were to abandon any idea of displacing the people of Gaza, that would be welcomed."
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem urged Trump to strengthen this position by compelling the Israeli occupation to adhere to all conditions of the ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry expressed its approval of Trump's change of stance, reiterating the kingdom's dedication to the peace efforts supported by the peoples of the region.
Spokesperson Sufian Qudah underscored the critical need for achieving a just and lasting peace, reaffirming that the two-state solution remains the only feasible route to security, stability, and peace.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also conveyed its gratitude for Trump's comments regarding the non-displacement of Gazans, stating that these remarks "reflect an understanding of the urgency to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the enclave and the importance of working out fair and sustainable solutions to the Palestinian issue."
"Nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza," Trump stated on Wednesday during a press conference at the White House alongside visiting Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.
Earlier in February, Trump had proposed a "Gaza Riviera" plan, which entailed a US takeover of Gaza, the relocation of its residents, and transforming the area into a Middle Eastern "Riviera." This proposal faced substantial criticism across the Middle East and beyond.
