US President Donald Trump’s comments about `taking over’ Gaza have sparked widespread criticism across the Middle East, particularly from key Arab nations. In talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump on Tuesday proposed that the United States take responsibility for the Gaza Strip, claiming it would `rebuild’ the region and offer economic development, while suggesting that Palestinians should relocate to neighbouring countries like Egypt and Jordan. This proposal has been met with strong opposition from regional leaders, especially from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, who have reaffirmed their steadfast support for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia’s Firm Stance on Palestinian Statehood

Saudi Arabia has been clear in its rejection of Trump’s suggestions. The Kingdom stressed that it would not accept any plan that seeks to displace the Palestinian people or undermine their right to an independent state. In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia on Feb 5, 2025, reiterated its commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made Saudi Arabia’s  position unmistakably clear, both in speeches and at regional summits, stating that the Kingdom will not normalize relations with Israel without a firm commitment to Palestinian statehood.

Md Muddassir Quamar, Associate Professor, Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, shared his views with Financial Express, highlighting the critical implications of Trump’s recent proposals. He noted that Trump’s suggestion of moving Palestinians to other countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, would only perpetuate the displacement of the Palestinian people, contradicting international efforts for a lasting peace. “The situation in Gaza remains dire,” he said, and “Trump’s plan to shift Gazans to other countries before reconstruction can take place only increases the uncertainty, complicates the humanitarian crisis, and undermines the Palestinian people’s right to return to their homes.”

Egypt and Jordan: Strong Rejection of Trump’s Plan

Egypt and Jordan, both critical players in the Arab world’s support for Palestinian rights, have unequivocally rejected Trump’s suggestions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in a recent phone call with President Trump, pointed out the complexity of the Middle East crisis and stressed that the international community expects Trump’s leadership to contribute toward a historic peace agreement that respects Palestinian sovereignty. However, Egypt has made it clear that it will not accept any proposal that involves displacing Palestinians from Gaza or compromising their right to a state.

Similarly, Jordanian King Abdullah II, who is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Washington on Feb 11, 2025, has also voiced his strong opposition to Trump’s plan. Jordan, a neighbouring country that hosts a large Palestinian diaspora, has reiterated that any solution to the Gaza issue must involve the establishment of a Palestinian state, not the displacement of Palestinians to other regions. Jordan News Agency reported that King Abdullah emphasized that peace can only be achieved if Palestinian rights are fully recognized and respected.

A Broader Regional Concern

Trump’s comments are viewed by many in the region as an attempt to bypass long-standing international efforts for a two-state solution and potentially undermine the prospects for Palestinian statehood.

Prof Muddassir shared his concerns with Financial Express, noting that Trump’s plan could further diminish any possibility of a lasting peace in the region. “The idea that the US could take over Gaza and somehow `beautify’ it only compounds the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Muddassir stated. “The US proposal fundamentally misreads the issue; this isn’t just about rebuilding Gaza it’s about ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people and their right to a homeland.”