The Riyadh summit on US President Donald Trump’s contentious Gaza plan has been postponed and broadened. Arab diplomatic sources say the February 20 meeting will now take place on February 21 and include more governments. Egypt, Jordan, and six GCC leaders will attend what began as a three-country summit.
A powerful Gulf nation expressed worry over being omitted from the summit lineup, prompting the enlargement. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait will join the broader discussions to present a unified Arab alternative to Trump’s proposal.
Arab nations have rejected Trump’s idea to move Gaza’s over two million population to Jordan or Egypt, citing international law violations. Experts warn that Palestinian land relocation is illegal and threatens regional stability.
Arab leaders resist this controversial proposal. King Abdullah II of Jordan underlined his country’s objection to relocation at a recent White House meeting. This matches the Riyadh summit’s consensus.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington welcomes Arab involvement on Palestinian issues. He talked with Israeli leaders and is discussing options with Saudi and Emirati officials during his regional tour. Despite regional opposition, Trump’s government supports the idea.
The expanded conference emphasises Arab efforts to reject undesirable suggestions, emphasising their shared commitment to Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
