Hamas has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s apparent reversal on his earlier proposal to permanently displace Gaza’s population, following his recent statement that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza.”
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem responded positively, stating that if Trump’s remarks reflect a genuine retreat from forced displacement, they are a step in the right direction.
He urged the US to reinforce this position by ensuring Israel upholds ceasefire agreements.
Trump’s initial proposal last month, which suggested a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the relocation of its more than two million residents to neighboring countries, triggered widespread backlash across the Middle East.
However, his latest remarks came after Arab foreign ministers met with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Qatar to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction.
Representatives from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Palestinian Liberation Organization participated in the talks.
The discussions built on a reconstruction plan approved at the March 4 Arab League Summit in Cairo. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) formally endorsed this initiative during an emergency meeting in Saudi Arabia, with Egypt playing a leading role in shaping a proposal for rebuilding Gaza under the Palestinian Authority’s administration.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations have resumed in Qatar. Hamas representatives engaged in direct talks with U.S. negotiator Adam Boehler—marking a rare break from Washington’s longstanding policy of avoiding direct negotiations with Hamas.
The discussions focused on securing the release of an American-Israeli hostage and implementing a phased ceasefire agreement.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Israel has maintained a complete blockade on Gaza for 12 consecutive days, restricting the entry of essential supplies. Critics have described this as an act of collective punishment, further complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Source: Al Jazeera
BDST: 1141 HRS, MAR 13, 2025
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