• Hamas welcomed Trump's statement that "no one is expelling anyone from Gaza," marking a significant shift in U.S. policy.
• Trump previously proposed relocating Palestinians for a reconstruction plan, which faced rejection from Arab leaders.
• Arab nations express appreciation for Trump's new stance, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further humanitarian strain in Gaza.
• The U.S. continues to mediate between Hamas and Israel as they discuss a ceasefire and potential reconstruction efforts.

The recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that "no one is expelling anyone from Gaza," have been met with approval from both Hamas and several Arab states, marking a substantial shift from his earlier proposals suggesting the relocation of Palestinians from the enclave. The backlash from Arab leaders, including Egypt and Jordan, to Trump's previous displacement plan, which envisioned a luxury development in Gaza at the expense of its Palestinian residents, was significant.

Following his comments during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem expressed that if Trump's remarks signal a backing away from the idea of displacing Gaza's population, then these statements are welcomed. This latest position by the Trump administration is pivotal, especially as discussions regarding a truce extension between Israel and Hamas are underway, following the intense conflict that escalated after Hamas's attacks that began on October 7, 2023. Observers note that Trump's proposals prior had been widely condemned as forced displacement and potential ethnic cleansing.

In light of Trump's change of rhetoric, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated its appreciation, underscoring that this approach reflects an understanding of the urgent need to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Additionally, a joint statement from foreign ministers of five Arab nations, including Egypt and the UAE, indicated they are pushing forward an alternative reconstruction plan that retains the current population and envisions sustainable recovery efforts.

The ongoing discussions in Qatar between U.S. officials and Arab leaders aim to solidify a future for Gaza that does not involve the mass movement of its inhabitants. This plan has received support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which brings together a coalition of 57 countries that have proposed reconstruction under the Palestinian Authority's governance rather than Hamas. Through these dialogues, both the U.S. and the involved Arab nations are working towards paths that promise enduring peace and stability for the region, amidst an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.

For more details, read the full articles on Al Jazeera, Newsweek, and CBS News.