Egypt has decided to postpone an urgent Arab summit aimed at addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip and take control of the territory. The announcement regarding the postponement was made by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry in a statement released on Tuesday, citing the need for additional time to make necessary “logistical and objective preparations.” Originally scheduled for February 27, the summit is now rescheduled to take place in Cairo on March 4.
The decision to delay the summit came in the wake of President Trump’s proposal, which has sparked significant outcry and concerns throughout the region. Both Palestinians and various Arab nations have vehemently opposed any plans to displace the population of the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, Israel has welcomed the proposal, a move criticized by human rights organizations who argue that it could potentially lead to forced displacement, contravening international laws.
President Trump’s proposal includes suggestions for resettling Palestinians in countries such as Egypt and Jordan, but both nations have firmly rejected this notion. Egypt particularly expressed apprehensions that the proposal could undermine the nearly fifty-year-old peace treaty it has with Israel.
In a separate development, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, reported that Israeli forces had conducted raids on four of its schools in East Jerusalem, ordering their closure. The Israeli government has cut all ties with UNRWA, alleging that the agency has been infiltrated by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a claim refuted by U.N. officials.
UNRWA stated that Israeli police forcibly entered a training center, using tear gas and sound grenades, and instructed its evacuation. Approximately 350 students and 30 staff members were present during the raid at the Qalandiya Training Center. Additionally, police and city officials mandated the closure of three other schools in East Jerusalem, with two of them continuing the school day despite the orders.
Roland Friedrich, the UNRWA director for the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, condemned the raids as a violation of United Nations privileges and immunities, as well as a denial of the right to education for children and trainees.
This decision by Egypt to postpone the Arab summit underscores the significance and complexity of the ongoing discussions and reactions surrounding President Trump’s proposal related to the Gaza Strip.
