‘We Will Not Leave’: Gazans Reject Displacement as Trump and Netanyahu Meet Palestinians Defy Calls for Relocation In the northern Gaza Strip, at a school-turned-shelter in Jabalia, Palestinian children sit near water cans, waiting for relief amid ongoing tensions. The latest remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting Gazans should relocate to Egypt or Jordan, have sparked outrage among residents. Hatem Azzam, a 34-year-old resident of Rafah, dismissed Trump’s proposal, stating, “Trump sees Gaza as disposable, but it is our home.” He criticized Trump’s language about “cleaning out the whole thing,” calling it “delusional” and accusing him of pressuring Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian migrants. Both Egypt and Jordan have firmly rejected the notion, aligning with the overwhelming sentiment among Gazans and neighboring countries. As Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepare to meet in Washington, discussions are expected to center on the future of Gaza, a region devastated by over 15 months of war. “We are deeply rooted in this land,” Azzam asserted. “We will not leave.” A Deep-Rooted Connection to the Land Ihab Ahmed, another Rafah resident, echoed this sentiment. “Trump and Netanyahu fail to understand us,” he said. “Even if we must live in tents, we will never abandon our homeland.” He referenced the 1948 war, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during Israel’s creation and never allowed to return. “The world must recognize this: we will not repeat history. We will stay.” Fears of Forced Displacement In Jabalia, amidst war-ravaged buildings, Raafat Kalob expressed concerns over the Trump-Netanyahu meeting. “This meeting will shape future plans for forced displacement and redrawing the Middle East,” he feared. Nearby, rows of makeshift tents provided by charities stand in the shadow of war-damaged concrete structures, a testament to the resilience of those who have returned since the ceasefire took effect on January 19. Despite the uncertainty, some remain hopeful. Majid al-Zebda, a 50-year-old resident, believes Trump will push Netanyahu toward ending the conflict permanently. The ceasefire initiated a hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, but a long-term peace deal remains uncertain. Zebda, a father of six who lost his home in the war, remains resolute: “We are the rightful owners of this land. We have always been here and will always be here. The future belongs to us.” READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This follows a similar initiative blocked by a United States veto in the UN Security Council. The resolution also demands the immediate release of all hostages and unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, where civilians have endured over a year of conflict, particularly in the severely affected northern region. Key Points of the Resolution: Background of the Conflict: The current escalation began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which claimed 1,208 lives and saw 251 hostages taken, as per official data. Israeli military operations have since resulted in over 44,786 deaths in Gaza, primarily civilians, according to UN-verified data from the Gaza Health Ministry. Reactions and Criticism: Palestinian UN ambassador Riyad Mansour referred to Gaza as “the bleeding heart of Palestine,” urging global action to address the dire humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution for not addressing what he termed “the infrastructure of hate” and accused the UNRWA of complicity in Hamas’s actions. Additional Proposals: A separate resolution will call for Israel to respect the UNRWA mandate, enabling its continued humanitarian operations. This comes after Israel’s ban on the agency, set to take effect on January 28, drew widespread international criticism. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
