This five-nation summit—bringing together Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar—aims to coordinate an effective response to Trump and it will focus on formulating a plan —one centered on Gaza’s reconstruction, ensuring the right of Palestinians to remain in their homeland, and fostering regional stability
By Dr. Nidal Shoukeir (Professor of Strategic Communications and Governmental Relations)
The Palestinian cause has witnessed dramatic developments in recent months, leading to major setbacks that have directly impacted the future of the Palestinian people and their aspirations for an independent state. After years of political stagnation and stalled negotiations—compounded by a divided and weakened Palestinian leadership and an Israeli government pursuing hardline policies—the situation escalated unprecedentedly on October 7, 2023. On that day, Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, launched a surprise military attack dubbed “Al-Aqsa Flood.” This attack was the deadliest in Israel’s history, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, the injury of around 7,500 others—mostly civilians—and the abduction of nearly 250 individuals, who were taken hostage inside Gaza. According to Hamas, this operation was a “necessary step and a natural response” to Israeli occupation, aimed at ending the long-standing blockade on Gaza and advancing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
From Blockade to Destruction
In practical terms, Hamas sought to revive the “first option”—a military approach—to exert pressure for a just resolution of the Palestinian issue. However, its calculations appear to have been flawed, as the consequences have been catastrophic, further complicating the Palestinian cause. In response to the attack, Israel launched an unprecedented military campaign, “Operation Iron Swords,” led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This campaign lasted over 14 months, resulting in the deaths of a significant number of Hamas leaders, as well as more than 40,000 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 100,000 others.Rather than achieving its intended objectives, the October 7 attack exacerbated the crisis. Gaza was left in ruins, rendered uninhabitable, and more than 90% of its population was displaced, while Israel expanded its control over more Palestinian territory.
Amid this humanitarian catastrophe and growing fears of further escalation, the international community has been actively seeking alternative solutions. In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump stunned the world on February 5 by proposing what he called the “second option” for Gaza. His plan involved the mass displacement of Gaza’s population to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan or relocating them elsewhere, while placing Gaza under U.S. administration and transforming it into the “Riviera of the East.”
The Unified Arab Rejection of Forced Displacement
Trump’s proposal triggered widespread reactions, with some viewing it as an attempt to erase the Palestinian presence in Gaza and others considering it a pragmatic solution to the worsening humanitarian crisis. Regardless, the Palestinian cause has entered a new phase of complexity, where military confrontation is no longer the sole threat—forced displacement and alternative political scenarios now loom as factors that could redefine the conflict’s trajectory.
In response, Arab states have mobilized in a rare display of unity, firmly rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Despite mounting pressure, they have maintained an unwavering stance against Trump’s proposal. Egypt’s position was unequivocal, rejecting the displacement plan outright. Likewise, Saudi Arabia took a firm stand, with its Foreign Ministry stating: “The Kingdom’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is steadfast and non-negotiable, and it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that guarantee.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah II also played a crucial role, making a bold and decisive visit to the White House at the height of the crisis. In Washington, he delivered a clear message to President Trump, rejecting displacement in any form and emphasizing the need for a “third option”—one that preserves Gaza, protects Palestinian rights, and ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as part of a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the decades-long conflict.
The Riyadh Summit: Crafting a “Third Option”
Against this backdrop, all eyes are now on the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where a high-level Arab summit is set to take place in the coming hours. This five-nation summit—bringing together Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar—aims to coordinate an effective response to Trump’s displacement plan. More importantly, discussions will focus on formulating a “third option”—one centered on Gaza’s reconstruction, ensuring the right of Palestinians to remain in their homeland, and fostering regional stability.
Between the devastating consequences of the military option and the global rejection of forced displacement, Arab nations are working to develop a realistic, pragmatic alternative—one that safeguards Palestinian rights while promoting a path toward de-escalation and a long-term political settlement.
Of course, crafting this “third option” will not be easy. It faces major challenges, including securing broad acceptance among all stakeholders and the necessity of making difficult compromises to ensure its success. Yet, at this critical juncture, this Arab-led initiative may be the last viable hope for preserving Palestinian rights, revitalizing international engagement with the Palestinian cause, and paving the way for a more stable future for the entire region.
The question remains: Will this third option be approached with the realism and pragmatism it requires, or will the cycle of complexity persist—leaving the Palestinian people as the ultimate victims once again?
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati