Egypt calls for an urgent Arab summit as Trump’s Gaza remarks spark regional outcry.
At a Glance
- Egypt to host Arab leaders’ summit on February 27 to discuss Gaza’s future
- Summit responds to Trump’s declaration of wanting to “own” Gaza
- Trump’s statements have upset key U.S. allies in the Middle East
- Arab neighbors reject Trump’s suggestion to take in Gaza’s 1.8 million Palestinians
- Hamas criticizes Trump’s comments, asserting Gaza is not for sale
Egypt Calls for Emergency Arab Summit
In a move that underscores the growing tension in the Middle East, Egypt has announced plans to host an urgent summit of Arab leaders on February 27. The meeting, set to take place in Cairo, aims to address what Egyptian officials are calling “new and dangerous developments for the Palestinian cause.” This diplomatic initiative comes in direct response to recent statements made by President Donald Trump regarding the future of the Gaza Strip.
The summit’s primary focus will be on the implications of Trump’s controversial declaration about the United States’ desire to “own” Gaza.
“I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it. Other people may do it through our auspices. But we’re committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn’t move back,” Trump said.
This statement has not only stirred unease among Palestinians but has also upset key U.S. allies in the region, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. These nations, which have long played crucial roles in Middle Eastern diplomacy, find themselves grappling with the potential consequences of such a radical shift in U.S. policy towards the Palestinian territories.
Egypt to host emergency Arab summit to discuss Palestinian developments; A statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry said the leaders will gather on Feb. 27 amid alarm in the region over President Trump's proposals regarding the future of Gaza https://t.co/FF2yuxVb4A
— WFAE (@WFAE) February 10, 2025
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Trump’s recent comments have reignited debates about the future of Gaza and its inhabitants. The president reiterated his commitment to a vision that involves the United States taking control of the strip, describing it as a “demolition site” and proposing future development by other nations. This approach has raised eyebrows across the international community, particularly among Arab states.
Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians might prefer to live elsewhere peacefully has been met with strong opposition from both Palestinian leaders and neighboring Arab countries. These nations have categorically rejected the idea of absorbing the 1.8 million Palestinians currently residing in Gaza, viewing such a proposal as a threat to the longstanding quest for Palestinian statehood.
Regional Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The announcement of the Arab summit comes at a time when regional leaders are already engaged in a flurry of diplomatic activities. Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet with Trump, and discussions with Egyptian and Saudi leaders are expected to follow. These meetings are likely to focus on finding a unified Arab response to the evolving situation in Gaza and the broader implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, has vehemently criticized Trump’s comments. The organization’s stance remains firm that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory and is not for sale.
