Why Gaza resettlement is opposed by Arab countries – Expert explanation
Illustrative photo: Why Gaza resettlement is opposed by Arab countries (Getty Images)
In Arab countries, there is a historical sentiment towards Palestinians in a broader sense - that is why they oppose the relocation from the Gaza Strip.
This idea was expressed by Ilan Zalayat, a research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies and Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, in a conversation with RBC-Ukraine.
Zalayat expressed doubts about the willingness of any Middle Eastern country to agree to accept a large number of Palestinians.
According to him, in addition to the significant economic burden, for 80 years, Arab countries have maintained a stance supporting Palestinians in their quest to defend their rights to Palestine. Because of this, they cannot suddenly change their position and accept refugees, even if financial compensation is offered.
The idea of resettling Palestinians was rejected by Egypt, a country that shares a border with the Gaza Strip and is considered by US President Donald Trump as a possible destination for resettlement.
Instead, Egypt plans to propose an initiative aimed at the comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza. The main goal of this plan is to ensure that Palestinians can be provided with "continued presence on their land following their legitimate rights." A similar position is held by Jordan, a neighboring country to Israel, which, like most countries in the region, supports the right of the Palestinian people to remain on their land.
Palestinians resettlement plan from the Gaza Strip
Trump recently proposed a plan for the temporary relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, which has been severely affected by the war between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian administration and the Arab League do not approve of this idea.
At the end of January, the President of the United States discussed the relocation plan with the leaders of Egypt and Jordan.
