Egypt planning ’emergency’ Arab summit on Palestinian territory as Trump insists US ‘own’ Gaza

Egypt announced on Sunday that it will be hosting a summit of Arab leaders on Feb. 27 to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip following President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion that the U.S. should take ownership of the territory. Trump’s statement, made after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has stirred up tensions with key U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

The Egyptian foreign ministry stated that the upcoming summit in Cairo will focus on “the state of Palestine that asked to hold the summit in order to discuss new and dangerous developments for the Palestinian cause.” The Arab neighbors of Gaza have also rejected Trump’s calls for them to absorb the 1.8 million Palestinians living in the Strip.

While Trump’s allies have speculated that his remarks were a negotiating tactic, the President reiterated his commitment to “buying and owning” Gaza. He suggested that the U.S. may collaborate with other Middle Eastern states to rebuild the territory, emphasizing that Hamas must not be allowed to return.

Trump’s administration has indicated that the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by conflict, will take longer than initially anticipated. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered in part by Trump’s team, calls for a multi-year reconstruction effort. However, officials now estimate that it could take up to 15 years to fully rebuild the area.

During a recent press briefing, Trump asserted that Palestinians do not want to return to Gaza, describing the territory as a “demolition site.” He vowed to ensure that the inhabitants of Gaza live in peace and prosperity, suggesting that they have no desire to go back to their former homes.

Amidst these developments, Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet with Trump, while discussions with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are also expected. The Palestinian group Hamas has condemned Trump’s proposal as “absurd,” emphasizing that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian land.

In the midst of these diplomatic discussions, Israel has begun withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes. Both sides are honoring a fragile ceasefire agreement, with ongoing negotiations focusing on the long-term future of the region.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz has suggested that Trump’s comments will prompt the Middle East to seek its own solutions. He acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding Gaza and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents in the years to come.

As the region grapples with the implications of Trump’s proposal, the upcoming summit in Cairo will provide an opportunity for Arab leaders to address the evolving situation in Gaza and reaffirm their commitment to the Palestinian cause.