Gaza: Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem hosted the apparent overthrow by US President Donald Trump of his previous position on the definitively moving more than two million Gaza Palestinians.
This statement reached after Trump said on Wednesday that “no one explodes Palestinians from Gaza”, a major retirement from his previous proposal, who sent shock waves through the Middle East and beyond.
Qassem, responding to Trump’s remarks, said, “If US President’s statements Trump represent a retirement from any idea to move the people from the Gaza Strip, they are welcome.”
He then added: “We call this position to be strengthened by forcing the Israeli occupation to implement all the conditions of the cease-fire agreements.”
Trump’s original comments last month had suggested American control of Gaza and the permanent displacement of its Palestinian population. His comments met generalized criticisms, in particular Arab countries.
The apparent reversal came after a series of diplomatic talks in Qatar, where the Arab foreign ministers, as well as the American envoy of the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, discussed reconstruction efforts for Gaza.
The foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization attended the meeting.
They confirmed that consultations and coordination on the reconstruction of Gaza would continue, the United States should work closely with these Arab nations to rebuild the region torn by the war.
On Saturday, the organization of 57 members of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) approved the Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by the Arab League.
The plan, led by Egypt, seeks to rebuild Gaza under the future administration of the Palestinian authority and to provide an alternative to the plan of Trump, which was considered a potential threat to Palestinian sovereignty.
The apparent change in Trump’s position was greeted by Hamas, with calls for continuous efforts to a lasting peace agreement. A new series of cease-fire talks has also started in Qatar, also indicating the stability thrust in the region.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ political advisor Taher al-Nono confirmed that there had been unprecedented direct talks between Hamas and the United States on the release of a US-Israeli national double held in Gaza.
These talks, which included discussions on the gradual cease-fire agreement, have marked a significant gap in longtime American policy not to negotiate with groups which it considers as “terrorist organizations”.
Despite the talks during the ceasefire, Israel continued to impose a complete blockade in Gaza, preventing the entry of food, fuel and medication in the region. The blockade, described by criticism as an act of collective punishment, intensified pressure on Hamas and is considered to be the attempt of Israel to use humanitarian aid as a lever in the conflict.
