Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has urged the international community to develop a plan for rebuilding Gaza without forcing Palestinians to leave their land. Speaking at a press conference in Madrid alongside Spain’s prime minister, Sisi emphasized that reconstruction must not come at the cost of Palestinian displacement. His comments come in response to a controversial proposal from former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has sparked outrage across the Arab world.
Arab States Reject Gaza Resort Plan, Emphasize UNRWA’s Critical Humanitarian Role
Trump’s proposal suggested turning Gaza into an international beach resort while resettling its Palestinian population in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. This idea has been widely condemned by Arab states, who view it as a threat to Palestinian sovereignty and rights. Egypt, Jordan, and other regional powers have expressed their opposition and are working on an alternative strategy, although concrete progress has yet to be seen.
Sisi Calls for Gaza Reconstruction Without Displacement as Arab States Reject Trump’s Resort PlanPresident Sisi highlighted the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing aid, healthcare, and education to Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring Arab countries. However, UNRWA’s operations have been significantly impacted by a recent Israeli law banning its presence on Israeli-controlled land, including East Jerusalem. This decision, which took effect in January, further complicates humanitarian efforts in the region.
Arab Nations Unite Against Palestinian Displacement, Plan Strategy for Gaza’s Future
The United Arab Emirates has also voiced strong opposition to any plans involving the forced displacement of Palestinians. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed his country’s stance during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The UAE’s position aligns with broader Arab resistance to any initiative that undermines Palestinian rights and territorial integrity.
In response to the ongoing crisis, leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar are set to convene in Riyadh to discuss the situation in Gaza. Their goal is to develop a unified position before presenting their plan at the upcoming Arab League summit in Cairo in March. The outcome of these discussions could shape the region’s approach to Gaza’s reconstruction and counter Trump’s controversial proposal.