As columns of poor Palestinians return to northern Gaza, US President Donald Trump's proposal to "clean up" the war-torn strip and relocate its residents to Egypt and Jordan has sparked a storm of criticism around the world.
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More surprisingly, the US's most ardent Arab allies have joined in the condemnation.
While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – the region's two economic heavyweights and considered closest to Trump – have remained officially silent, they have expressed their displeasure.
Media outlets in both countries known for being close to the state have been full of articles and editorials condemning the president's comments.
Abu Dhabi normalised relations with Israel during Trump's first term, and Riyadh has said it is willing to do so under certain conditions. However, for both parties, his proposal poses a direct threat to national security.
In addition to destabilizing Egypt and Jordan, American talk of expelling Palestinians from their homeland after the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas is seen as vindication by those who have long condemned the UAE and Saudi Arabia for betraying the Palestinian cause.
This includes Iran and the militant groups Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, all of whom have rushed to attack Trump over his proposal.
The Israeli government launched a similar plan after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The issue is likely to return to the agenda when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington next week.
Trump and Netanyahu in Washington in 2020. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images
However, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, made it clear, without directly responding to Trump's comments, that his government expects the Palestinians to stand their ground.
Not only that, but ensuring they have their own state is a prerequisite for Saudi Arabia to join Trump's push to include Riyadh in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza and normalization with Israel.
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"Saudi Arabia doesn't speak out often in public," he told Times Radio on Monday. "But when this happens, we say what we mean and we mean what we say." - Sam Dagher
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