Support Grows for Trump’s Stance on Gaza Residency Rights

Egypt, Hamas, and the PLO welcome President Trump’s statement that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza, signifying a potential shift in U.S. policy. Trump’s assurances were praised as a positive step towards peace, amid ongoing mediation efforts in the region.

On Thursday, Egypt, Hamas, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) welcomed President Donald Trump’s assurance that Palestinians will not be expelled from Gaza. This statement has raised questions regarding whether it indicates a withdrawal from his proposed plan that involved relocating the Palestinian population to neighboring countries.

During a press conference, President Trump stated, “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” while responding to inquiries concerning possible expulsions during discussions with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin. Egypt, alongside the U.S. and Qatar, is mediating peace talks between Hamas and Israel and expressed gratitude for Trump’s commitment to retaining Gaza’s residents.

The Foreign Ministry of Egypt deemed Trump’s remarks a “positive direction,” emphasizing the potential to utilize this acknowledgment to propel peace efforts forward. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem referred to the statement as a “clear retreat” from previous U.S. proposals and welcomed the lack of expulsion plans, underscoring a shift in the U.S. stance on Gaza’s future.

The proposal for expulsion from Gaza has faced widespread criticism, even from U.S. allies, and is countered by an Arab initiative aimed at facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza under the administration of the Palestinian Authority. Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the PLO, commended Trump’s statements affirming that residents would not be required to leave their homeland, reinforcing this positive response.

The Arab League, supported by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, conceived the Egyptian-led plan to address the situation in Gaza, reflecting a unified Arab approach to the conflict.

In summary, Trump’s recent comments have been embraced by Egypt, Hamas, and the PLO, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy regarding Gaza. The support from these groups highlights a collective desire for peace and stability in the region. As mediators advance efforts toward dialogue, the acknowledgement of Gaza’s residents’ rights is seen as a crucial step forward.

Original Source: www.dailysabah.com