Egypt, Hamas welcome Trump’s assurance against Gaza displacement

Egypt has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians” from the Gaza Strip, viewing it as a positive step toward preventing further humanitarian deterioration in the region.

Trump’s statement and its implications

During a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Wednesday, Trump denied that any plan was in place to force Palestinians out of Gaza. “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” he said, in response to a reporter’s question.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, emphasizing that Trump’s comments reflected “an understanding of the importance of avoiding a worsening of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to work toward finding just and sustainable solutions to the Palestinian issue.”

Egypt’s call for sustainable peace process

Egypt reiterated its position that any long-term resolution must ensure Palestinian self-determination, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“Egypt believes that Trump’s initiative to end international conflicts and establish peace, including in the Middle East, can represent a practical framework to build upon,” the statement read. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to “all serious initiatives” aimed at achieving a fair and comprehensive peace in the region.

Arab and international reactions

The Hamas also welcomed Trump’s remarks, with spokesman Hazem Qassem calling them a “clear retreat” from any proposal to displace Palestinians.

He urged the U.S. administration to ensure that Israel adheres to cease-fire agreements.

Similarly, the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh expressed appreciation for Trump’s remarks, reiterating the need for a permanent solution to the crisis.

Arab summit and Gaza reconstruction plan

Earlier this month, an emergency Arab summit and a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation endorsed a comprehensive five-year plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing its Palestinian residents.

The plan, which is estimated to cost $53 billion, was presented as an alternative to previous proposals that suggested resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza.

The initiative came in response to concerns over Trump’s earlier suggestion to “take over” Gaza and transform it into a tourism destination—a proposal widely rejected by Arab nations and international organizations, which viewed it as a form of ethnic cleansing.

Ongoing humanitarian crisis

Since October 2023, more than 48,500 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

A cease-fire and prisoner swap deal in January temporarily halted hostilities, but the humanitarian situation remains critical.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

Next steps in diplomatic efforts

Egypt has reiterated its call for intensified international efforts to push forward a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue, ensuring long-term security and stability in the region. “Egypt remains committed to working with regional and international partners to achieve a fair and lasting peace,” the foreign ministry’s statement concluded.