DaysofPal- Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has praised US President Donald Trump’s apparent reversal on his proposal to permanently displace over two million Palestinians from Gaza.
The statement came after Trump declared on Wednesday, “nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza,” during a meeting with Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin at the White House.
“If US President Trump’s statements represent a retreat from any idea of displacing the people of the Gaza Strip, they are welcomed,” Qassem stated, further urging that the US pressure Israel to fully implement the terms of ceasefire agreements. This comes after Trump made the contentious remark last month that the US might annex Gaza and force its Palestinian citizens to relocate to nearby nations.
Trump’s latest remarks were met with praise from Egypt, which shares borders with Gaza. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, welcoming Trump’s position.
“This position reflects an understanding of the need to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the importance of finding fair, sustainable solutions to the Palestinian issue,” the ministry said.
This development followed a meeting in Qatar on Wednesday between Arab foreign ministers and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction. Ministers from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Palestine Liberation Organization attended the discussions, which focused on a plan approved at the Arab League Summit in March 2025.
The US envoy, Witkoff, agreed to continue consultations with Arab leaders on this reconstruction effort.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 57 member states, also endorsed an Egyptian-backed reconstruction plan for Gaza at an emergency meeting in Saudi Arabia. The initiative, proposed in response to Trump’s threats, aims to rebuild Gaza under the administration of the Palestinian Authority.
Meanwhile, ceasefire discussions continue, with a new round of talks initiated in Qatar. Witkoff traveled to Doha to mediate these talks, which aim to secure a lasting ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The Arab ministers emphasized the importance of sustaining the ceasefire and pushing for a comprehensive peace solution that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people for independence.
In a significant shift, Hamas confirmed direct talks with Washington on Saturday, focusing on the release of an American-Israeli dual national held by the group. This marked a break from the longstanding US policy of not negotiating with organizations it classifies as “terrorist groups.” The next stage of the ceasefire has also been discussed between US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler and Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Despite efforts toward peace, tensions remain high. Israel has imposed a full blockade on Gaza, preventing the entry of critical supplies, such as food, fuel, and medicine. This blockade, described by some as collective punishment, continues as Israel and Hamas negotiate for a durable ceasefire.
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