Muslim nations have rejected President Trump’s call to displace Palestinians from Gaza, supporting an Egyptian-backed plan for a governing committee to facilitate reconstruction. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned plans for displacement as ethnic cleansing and reaffirmed collective support for the Palestinian cause amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, while Israel remains resistant to Palestinian Authority involvement in governance.
The foreign ministers from Muslim nations convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to respond to President Donald Trump’s proposal to displace the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip. They unequivocally rejected such calls and endorsed a plan featuring an administrative committee of Palestinians to facilitate reconstruction efforts in the region. This meeting coincided with heightened uncertainty regarding a seven-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In their collective statement, the ministers condemned any plans to displace Palestinians, labeling them as acts of ethnic cleansing and violations of international law. They also denounced policies causing starvation which are seen as attempts to compel Palestinians to flee the territory. Additionally, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reinstated Syria as a member, following its previous suspension due to internal conflict.
The ongoing ceasefire, established in mid-January, had temporarily halted Israel’s military actions in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas following their October 2023 attack. However, hope for a second phase of the ceasefire negotiations appears flawed, as Israel urges Hamas to release remaining hostages without fully addressing the Palestinian Authority’s role or post-war governance in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have maintained a tactical position along Gaza, contributing to ongoing casualties.
Trump’s recent suggestion to permanently resettle Gaza’s residents has faced strong opposition from the Palestinian community. In contrast, the OIC supports the Egyptian-influenced proposal for an administrative committee to oversee governance in Gaza, intending to replace Hamas, although Israel continues to resist the Palestinian Authority’s involvement. The humanitarian crisis remains dire, with extensive casualties reported amid the conflict, highlighting the heavy toll on Palestinian families.
In conclusion, the rejection of President Trump’s proposal by Muslim nations underscores a united stance against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. The support for an Egyptian-led administrative framework reflects a desire to stabilize the region amid ongoing humanitarian concerns. Despite the temporary ceasefire, challenges abound regarding governance and the future of Gaza, with the complexities of international negotiations remaining pivotal. The situation calls for continued dialogue to ensure the rights and welfare of the Palestinian population are respected.
Original Source: apnews.com
