Weeks of debate over the plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza proposed by US President Donald Trump came to an end as Trump himself denied the plan, stating “No one wants to expel Palestinians.” Comments were made suggesting that Trump took a step back following Egypt’s proposal. Egypt and Hamas welcomed Trump’s words.

US President Donald Trump hosted Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House.

It was the first time that Trump hosted a foreign leader since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit which ended in controversy on February 28.

In response to a question, Trump stated that no Palestinian would be forcibly removed from Gaza.

IRELAND’S SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE

Ireland is one of the countries with a firm support for Palestine. The Irish Prime Minister emphasized a two-state solution while standing next to Trump.

According to the Irish leader, “In our view, the ideal solution is a two-state solution. It has become increasingly challenging and difficult as time passes. But this has always been our position.” The Irish Prime Minister highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating, “We need a ceasefire. We need to solidify this. Gaza needs a wave of humanitarian aid, because, I reiterate, many children and many people are suffering from hunger.”

THE CONTROVERSIAL GAZA PLAN Trump’s Gaza plan, introduced shortly after taking office on January 20, stirred controversy. Trump claimed that after a peace agreement, all Palestinians, at least temporarily, should leave Gaza to turn the region into the Riviera of the Middle East.

In response to Trump’s plan, Egypt prepared a new plan to be presented to the American Administration, which received support from the Arab League.

Egypt’s plan anticipates the rebuilding of Gaza without displacing Palestinians.

EGYPT WELCOMED IT WITH PLEASURE Egypt welcomed Trump’s statement with pleasure. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that “this position illustrates the need to prevent the humanitarian situation in Gaza from deteriorating further and the importance of finding fair, sustainable solutions to the Palestinian issue.”

Hamas was also pleased with Trump clearly retracting his proposal.

Hamas called on Trump not to align with the extreme right vision in Israel.