Egypt has announced plans to host a summit of Arab leaders on Feb. 27 to address the future of the Gaza Strip following President Donald Trump's recent statements indicating a desire for the U.S. to take ownership of the territory. The announcement comes after Trump's declaration, which has unsettled key U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
The summit in Cairo will focus on discussions regarding the state of Palestine and the new developments affecting the Palestinian cause. Trump's suggestion that Arab neighbors should take in the Palestinians living in Gaza has been met with skepticism and dismissal by these countries.
Trump's commitment to 'buying and owning' Gaza has raised concerns and sparked criticism from various parties. The U.S. president reiterated his stance, emphasizing plans for reconstruction and development in the region, despite the challenges posed by the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, facilitated in part by Trump's administration, includes provisions for a lengthy reconstruction phase. However, the timeline for rebuilding Gaza remains uncertain, with Trump officials suggesting a more extended period than initially anticipated.
Trump's upcoming meetings with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are expected to address the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East region. The Palestinian group Hamas has condemned Trump's remarks, emphasizing Gaza's significance as part of Palestinian territory.
As Israel begins withdrawing from certain areas in Gaza and negotiations continue between the conflicting parties, the future of the region remains uncertain. The White House's national security adviser has suggested that Trump's statements may prompt regional stakeholders to seek their own solutions to the complex challenges facing Gaza.
