Palestine's Ambassador to UN responds strongly to Trump's proposal

(MENAFN) Palestine's Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, responded strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza, stating that those advocating for sending Gazans to a "happier and more beautiful place" should instead allow Israelis to return to their original homes. This comment came after a closed session at the UN Security Council, where the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank was discussed. Mansour recalled that trump had made similar suggestions in the past, and noted the clear opposition from countries like Egypt and Jordan. Additionally, a joint statement from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, and Palestine rejected the displacement of Palestinians.

He emphasized that Gaza is part of Palestine, a homeland for its people, and pointed out that Palestinians, such as the 400,000 displaced individuals who returned to northern Gaza after a ceasefire, are determined to rebuild their homes and lives. Mansour stressed the importance of respecting the choices of the Palestinian people in rebuilding their schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. He also highlighted that the UN Security Council should act to implement the ceasefire agreement and prevent further violence, noting that the majority of council members supported the joint statement to stop violence in Gaza. Mansour cautioned against allowing further destruction in Gaza and the West Bank.

Trump’s proposal to move Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan has been rejected by those nations, with strong opposition from various Arab states and international bodies. The ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which started on January 19, 2025, outlines three phases lasting 42 days each, with negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar and supported by the U.S. Mansour stressed that the tragic destruction caused by Israeli actions between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, which resulted in over 159,000 Palestinian casualties, including many children and women, should never be repeated.

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