Egypt calls for an urgent Arab summit as Trump’s Gaza ownership claims spark regional outcry.
At a Glance
- Egypt to host Arab summit on February 27 to address Gaza’s future
- Trump’s declaration of U.S. ownership of Gaza upsets key Middle East allies
- 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
- Negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas amid regional tensions
Egypt Calls Emergency Arab Summit
Egypt has announced plans to host a summit of Arab leaders on February 27 to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip. The urgent meeting comes in response to President Donald Trump’s controversial declaration that the United States wants to “own” Gaza. The summit in Cairo will address what Egyptian officials are calling “new and dangerous developments for the Palestinian cause.”
Trump’s statements have caused significant unrest among key U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. These nations have expressed concern over the implications of such rhetoric on regional stability and the ongoing peace process.
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 Controversial Gaza Plan
The President has reiterated his commitment to “buying and owning” Gaza, suggesting that other Middle Eastern states might help rebuild it. Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” and proposed future development by various parties under U.S. supervision.
“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.
Trump’s plan has met with strong opposition from Arab nations. Neighboring countries have rejected his suggestion to absorb the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza. The President claimed that Palestinians do not want to return to Gaza, suggesting they would prefer to live elsewhere peacefully.
Hamas and Regional Response
Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, has strongly criticized Trump’s comments. A spokesperson for the organization asserted that Gaza is not for sale and is an integral part of Palestinian land.
“Gaza is not a property that can be bought and sold, and it is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land,” Izzat al-Risheq, a Hamas official, said.
Al-Risheq further added, “Dealing with the Palestinian issue with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure.”
The upcoming Arab summit will likely focus on formulating a unified response to Trump’s proposals and reaffirming the Arab world’s commitment to Palestinian sovereignty. Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet with Trump, and talks with Egyptian and Saudi leaders are expected to take place.
