Arab Nations Reject Relocation of Palestinians, Push for Two-State Solution The joint statement, issued after a foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo on February 1st, underscores the unwavering support for Palestinian statehood and regional stability.
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Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan take part in a meeting with ministers from Egypt, Qatar and the UAE.
CAIRO/AMMAN/RIYADH/NEW DELHI: In a strong and unified stance, key Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and the Palestinian Authority, have collectively rejected any plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, including proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump. The joint statement, issued after a foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo on February 1st, underscores the unwavering support for Palestinian statehood and regional stability. The leaders emphasized that any such moves would undermine the legitimate rights of Palestinians and destabilize the region further.

A Bold Declaration for Palestinian Rights
The Arab leaders reiterated their firm position against the displacement of Palestinians, calling for respect of international law and Palestinian sovereignty. They stated, “We reject all attempts to displace Palestinians or evacuate them from their land, under any excuse. This not only threatens their right to self-determination but also jeopardizes peace and coexistence in the region.” The joint statement underlined the importance of preserving Palestinian land and the unity of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of a broader settlement in line with international resolutions.
Further, the leaders stressed the necessity of a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution. They affirmed, “The international community must urgently work towards a comprehensive peace agreement that enables the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on its full territory.”
President Sisi’s Call with Trump
In a related development, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing Middle East crises. President Sisi highlighted the international community’s expectations of Trump’s leadership to secure a historic peace agreement in the region. He expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to bring about a fair resolution, stating, “The world is counting on President Trump’s commitment to achieving a peace agreement that serves the interests of all parties and ensures the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
Gaza’s Reconstruction and the Role of Palestinian Authority
The joint statement also emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive reconstruction effort in Gaza, following the devastating impacts of the ongoing conflict. The Arab leaders expressed full support for the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza and called for international assistance in the region. Egypt announced its plans to host an international conference for Gaza’s reconstruction, in collaboration with the United Nations.
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of supporting UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees) and its irreplaceable role in providing aid and services to Palestinian refugees. They also welcomed the United Nations’ active involvement in planning and implementing Gaza’s reconstruction process.
A Call for International Action
The Arab leaders concluded their statement with an appeal for the international community, including the United Nations and the Security Council, to take immediate action toward the implementation of the two-state solution. They stressed that this approach is the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East and the realization of Palestinian rights.
The statement also called for the active participation of international actors, including Saudi Arabia and France, in an upcoming international conference to settle the Palestinian issue and move forward with a two-state solution, scheduled for June 2025.
In conclusion, the Arab nations’ unified position and the call for a fair, just resolution to the Palestinian issue reflects their commitment to a stable and peaceful future for the region. While President Trump’s involvement is pivotal in this process, the region’s leaders have made it clear that any solution must respect the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, follow @shahidsiddiqui on X