CAIRO – On Saturday, several influential Arab nations firmly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. This collective stance came from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League in a coordinated statement.
Trump had previously suggested that he might encourage Jordan and Egypt to accommodate Gaza’s largely displaced population, proposing that this relocation could serve as a means to address the ongoing conflict. He described Gaza as being akin to a “demolition site,” referencing the extensive devastation wrought by the prolonged conflict with Hamas, currently on hold due to a precarious ceasefire.
The joint statement from Arab nations expressed deep concern that any such relocation plans would jeopardize regional stability, potentially escalate conflict, and hinder future peace prospects. Assemblies involving high-ranking diplomats from key Arab nations in Cairo preceded this unified declaration, highlighting a commitment to work collaboratively with the U.S. administration toward achieving a fair and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
The diplomats also called upon the international community to facilitate and execute a thorough reconstruction initiative for Gaza, ensuring the Palestinian people can remain on their ancestral lands. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi had condemned Trump’s notion of relocating Palestinians during a press conference, underscoring the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state rather than displacing its people.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated a strong and unyielding stance against Trump’s proposal, emphasizing the continuation of support for Palestinian statehood. Following a phone conversation with Trump, el-Sissi’s office characterized the discussion as “positive,” yet it notably omitted any reference to the controversial suggestion made by the U.S. president. The Egyptian leader underlined the need for a “permanent peace” in the region, conveying that the international community relies on Trump’s capacity to secure a historic peace agreement in the Middle East.
Both Egypt and Jordan share apprehensions regarding the potential permanent displacement of Palestinians, fearing that Israel may deny their return to Gaza. The implications of a large influx of refugees on the economies and stability of these nations present additional concerns. Currently, Jordan is home to over two million Palestinians, while Egypt has raised security concerns related to the resettlement of Palestinians in its Sinai Peninsula, which borders Gaza.
Having been the first to establish peace treaties with Israel, Egypt and Jordan advocate for a recognizable Palestinian state that encompasses the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, territories seized during the 1967 Middle East conflict. In their statement, the Arab nations also highlighted the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees, deeming it an irreplaceable entity in providing aid to Palestinian refugees while firmly rejecting any moves to diminish its influence.
Recently, Israel enacted a formal ban on UNRWA following sustained accusations from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his hardline allies who allege the organization is heavily infiltrated by Hamas—claims that UNRWA has consistently denied. The agency is essential for providing assistance to approximately 2.5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, as well as an additional three million in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, UNRWA has functioned as a vital support system for Palestinians in Gaza.
