Source Credit: DW.COM
Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has firmly opposed a proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, ahead of a crucial summit in Saudi Arabia.
During a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that his country rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians. The talks come as the region prepares for a high-level meeting involving the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Egypt, and Jordan.
Trump's controversial plan suggests relocating Gaza's 2.4 million residents to neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt, arguing that the war-ravaged enclave is uninhabitable. However, the UAE’s outright rejection signals strong opposition from key Gulf nations.
The proposal comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and efforts to rebuild Gaza after more than a year of intense Israeli bombardment, triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high as violence persists in the occupied West Bank. Late Wednesday, Israeli forces killed three Palestinians in the al-Faraa refugee camp near Tubas, claiming they were involved in arms sales for militant activities. Palestinian sources, however, accused Israeli troops of shelling and firing indiscriminately at a residential house.
In other developments, Hamas announced it will return the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the day as one of “deep grief,” while families of the deceased called for a renewed focus on hostage negotiations.
At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to resume mass polio vaccinations in Gaza this weekend, warning that the enclave's dire humanitarian conditions could lead to further outbreaks. The initiative aims to immunize over half a million children amid damaged healthcare infrastructure and overcrowded shelters.
As diplomatic tensions rise, the upcoming Saudi-hosted summit will likely shape the international response to Gaza’s future and address the humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
