Arab Nations Reject Trump's Plan to Relocate Palestinians from Gaza

Cairo, Egypt - Powerful Arab nations on Saturday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, calling the plan "a threat to regional stability" and a "dangerous" move that could undermine peace efforts in the Middle East.

In a surprise joint statement released by six countries including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Palestinian Authority, the nations made it clear they would not support Trump's proposal to resettle Gaza's population of 2.3 million people in other territories.

"This is nothing but a demolition site right now," Trump said last month when first floated the idea. The suggestion sparked outrage among Arab leaders, who feared that Israel would never allow refugees to return to Gaza if they were moved there.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi vehemently rejected the proposal in a news conference last week, saying it was "not tolerated or allowed" and that the solution to the conflict lay in establishing a Palestinian state.

"We call for the international community to help plan and implement a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza," said the joint statement. The nations reiterated their commitment to working with the Trump administration towards a "just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution."

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made it clear his country's opposition to the plan was "firm and unwavering." Both Egypt and Jordan worry that Israel would deny them entry if they attempt to take in Palestinian refugees, fearing the impact on their economies and stability.

Meanwhile, Egyptian officials have issued security warnings about transferring Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula along Gaza's borders. The region is already facing significant security challenges due to terrorism from extremist groups.

The Arab League's chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit also stressed that relocating Palestinians was a "radical" move that could lead to conflict and undermine peace efforts in the Middle East.

The nations reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution, which would see Israel and Palestine sharing borders and Israel ending its occupation of occupied territories. Gaza has been under severe economic hardship for years due to an Israeli blockade, as well as a devastating 15-month war with Hamas.