The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially rejected a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to displace Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed the UAE's position to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, as reported by the Emirati state news agency WAM. The proposal, which involves a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the resettlement of its Palestinian residents in Jordan and Egypt, has faced widespread opposition from Arab nations and Western allies.
Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of linking Gaza's reconstruction efforts to a sustainable peace process, rejecting any plans that would result in the displacement of its 2.3 million inhabitants. This stance underscores the UAE's commitment to stability and peace in the region.
The UAE's position is particularly significant given its role as one of the four Arab countries that normalized relations with Israel during Trump's first administration. Additionally, the UAE has been instrumental in financing reconstruction projects following previous conflicts in Gaza.
Current Arab diplomatic efforts aim to develop an alternative to Trump's proposal, seeking solutions that address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel's 15-month military campaign against Hamas. With most of the territory left in ruins, nearly all residents have been rendered homeless.
Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar are scheduled to discuss the proposed plan in Riyadh this month. The discussions are a precursor to the Arab League summit in Cairo, set for March, where a unified stance on the matter is expected to be presented.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
