Arab countries reject Trump's plan to evacuate Gaza residents
02/02/2025
The meeting was held at the invitation of Egypt and was attended by representatives of Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, along with the Secretary-General of the PLO Executive Committee and the Secretary-General of the Arab League. - Sinar Harian/Agency Photo
CAIRO: A meeting of ministers of six Arab countries in Cairo on Saturday rejected any plan to evacuate Palestinians from Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
In a joint statement, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League expressed their full support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in their homeland as well as their legitimate rights in accordance with international law.
The participating States reiterate their rejection of any violation of such undeniable rights, whether through settlement, eviction, house demolition, land grabbing or forced displacement of Palestinians in any form or excuse. According to the statement, such plans "threaten the stability of the region, risk triggering an escalation of the conflict, and undermine the prospects for peace and coexistence among its population."
Saturday's meeting follows repeated statements by US President Donald Trump proposing the resettlement of Palestinians outside their territories, including in Egypt and Jordan.
The joint statement was issued after a meeting held at the invitation of Egypt and attended by representatives of Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, together with the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for the State of Palestine and the Secretary-General of the Arab League.
Meanwhile, the six countries expressed their willingness to work with the Trump administration to achieve a comprehensive peace in West Asia based on a two-state solution and efforts to end conflicts in the region.
They also urged the international community, regional powers and the United Nations Security Council to implement a two-state solution to address the root causes of tensions in West Asia.
In addition, the countries also stressed the important and irreplaceable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in West Asia (UNRWA) and rejected any attempt to sideline or limit its role.
