Egypt and Jordan welcome Trump U-turn on expelling Gaza's Palestinians

Egypt and Jordan have welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that no one will expel Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This statement comes after Trump previously suggested plans for the U.S. to "control" and "own" Gaza, raising questions about whether this represents a shift in Trump's stance, a change that could influence regional dynamics.

In February, Trump stated that Gaza would be transformed into the "Riviera of the Middle East," with its Palestinian residents expelled to Jordan and Egypt, a proposal that both countries vehemently rejected. However, during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, when asked if the meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin had discussed "expelling Palestinians from Gaza," Trump said, "Nobody's going to expel Palestinians." This denial marks a potential departure from his earlier stance.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed "appreciation for the U.S. President's statement regarding the non-expulsion of residents of the Gaza Strip." The Jordanian Foreign Ministry stated that it "welcomes the remarks made by the U.S. President on Wednesday" and emphasized "the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution." Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated that this apparent shift by Trump was also "welcomed" in Gaza, indicating a broad interest in the evolving U.S. position.

Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh stated, "We appreciate the U.S. President's confirmation that residents of the Gaza Strip do not need to leave their homes." Last week, Arab nations presented an alternative to Trump's plan to forcibly displace Palestinians. The plan, led by Egypt, proposes a $53 billion budget and a five-year timeline to rebuild the Palestinian enclave, which has been devastated by 15 months of Israeli warfare, and outlines a vision for post-war governance in Gaza.

The plan was adopted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday and has received support from several European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. This widespread support signals a growing international consensus on the need for a sustainable solution. The plan aims to provide a viable and peaceful solution for the future of the Gaza Strip and avert further humanitarian crises, offering a framework for long-term stability.