The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the decision not to force Palestinians to leave Gaza.
On March 12, Trump stated, “No one is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza,” in response to a question during a meeting at the White House with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
The Egyptian Ministry emphasized that this stance reflects an understanding of the necessity to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and underscores the importance of finding a fair and sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue.
Earlier, Trump had proposed that the U.S. take ownership of Gaza, a region devastated by the war between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union.
Trump suggested that the relocation of Palestinians would aim to economically develop the coastal region, transforming it into a “phenomenal” place where different nationalities could live in peace.
The war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, following an attack on Israel by Hamas, has caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 250 others were taken hostage in the attack, while more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the subsequent Israeli offensive.
Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in January, and the first phase involved the release of some hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Subsequent stages, which are still under negotiation, could involve the release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire.
Earlier in March, Arab leaders approved a $53 billion Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which would avoid the forced relocation of Palestinians, contrasting with Trump’s proposal.
