U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talk in the midst of a joint news conference in the White House in Washington, U.S., January 28, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
Trump Announces Upcoming Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Amid Gaza Ceasefire
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington “very soon,” though he did not specify a date. The meeting will occur against the backdrop of a fragile six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which temporarily pauses a 15-month conflict in Gaza.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts while reiterating his stance on the resettlement of displaced Palestinians.
Trump Urges Egypt to Accept Gaza Palestinians
Trump reiterated his proposal for Egypt to accommodate Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza, describing the situation in the territory as untenable due to widespread destruction and violence. “I’d like to get them living in an area where they can live without disruption and revolution and violence,” Trump said, referring to Gaza’s residents.
He also praised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as a “friend” and emphasized Egypt’s role as a U.S. ally capable of supporting this humanitarian effort. Trump added that he discussed a similar proposal with Jordan’s King Abdullah, seeking cooperation from both neighboring nations.
However, the suggestion has faced resistance from Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations, which oppose relocating Palestinians from Gaza. These countries argue that such moves could jeopardize Palestinian aspirations for statehood, as Gaza is considered vital territory for a future Palestinian state.
Broader Context: Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire Terms
The latest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing approximately 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza led to widespread devastation and over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel has denied accusations of war crimes, attributing the destruction to Hamas’ use of civilian areas for military operations.
The ongoing ceasefire, brokered with Egyptian, Qatari, and U.S. mediation, involves the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. So far, seven Israeli hostages and 290 Palestinian prisoners have been released, with plans for further exchanges during the six-week truce.
International and Palestinian Reactions
Hamas has firmly rejected Trump’s proposal for relocating Palestinians, citing fears of permanent displacement. The group insists that Gaza remains an integral part of any future Palestinian state. Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has echoed this sentiment, opposing any resettlement initiatives outside Gaza.
Jordan and Egypt have also voiced their disapproval, reiterating their longstanding opposition to measures that could alter the demographic and political landscape of the Palestinian territories.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community closely watches developments in Washington and the region, where Trump’s initiatives face scrutiny for their potential implications on the broader Middle East peace process.
COMMENTS