In their Wall Street Journal article, "Arab States Wake Up to Fact That Trump Means What He Says on Gaza," Summer Said and Michael R. Gordon explain how Trump’s plan has shaken up the region. Trump's proposal involves relocating Gaza's Palestinian population while the US takes control of the area and redevelops it as an international destination—a plan widely rejected across the Arab world so far.
This situation has shifted the stance of key regional players, with Arab states now focused on preventing the mass displacement of Palestinians without their consent.
There are also concerns about the instability such moves could cause, particularly if neighboring countries are pressured to accept the displaced. Despite Egypt's rejection of Trump's idea to relocate Palestinians to its land, Trump has suggested, “I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Egypt.”
In response, Egypt is putting forth its own proposal: keeping Palestinians in Gaza, forming a committee of technocrats to manage the enclave, and developing local security forces trained by Arab forces. This five-year reconstruction plan would ideally restore essential services and shelter in stages.
However, Egypt’s plan faces obstacles, including questions about how to remove Hamas from power, how to ensure the security forces are capable of managing Gaza, and whether sufficient funds will be raised.
Despite the challenges, Egypt continues to assert that Palestinian statehood must eventually be addressed, though it aims to separate that issue from Gaza’s immediate reconstruction.
Egypt is planning to host an Arab summit on February 27 to discuss the latest developments surrounding Gaza. H.A. Hellyer, a Middle East security expert, argues that while the question of Palestinian statehood remains crucial, "it won’t be a precondition for beginning reconstruction."
Trump remains steadfast in his approach. "We’re going to take it, we’re going to hold it, we’re going to cherish it," he said during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II.
