A group of five Arab foreign ministers and a senior Palestinian official have sent a joint letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, opposing plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza. The letter stresses the importance of involving Palestinians in the reconstruction process and warns against further displacement, which could lead to radicalization and unrest.
The move comes as President Trump has repeatedly suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt, Jordan, or other countries while rebuilding efforts take place. This plan has alarmed Arab countries, who see it as a threat to regional stability, particularly in Egypt and Jordan.
In the letter, the Arab ministers express concern that the Middle East is already burdened by the largest displaced and refugee populations in the world, making further displacement even more challenging. They emphasize that any reconstruction efforts should involve Palestinian residents and recognize their agency and ownership of the process.
The letter also warns Rubio against possible deportation of Palestinians by Israel, stating that such a move would add a new dangerous dimension to the conflict. Instead, the Arab ministers propose working with President Trump’s “vision of peace” in the Middle East through a two-state solution.
This development comes as US officials have raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to an impending Israeli law barring contact with the UN refugee agency for Palestinians.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/gaza-palestinians-reconstruction-rubio-egypt-letter