By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told journalists on Sunday that Jordan is “firm and unwavering” on its rejection of U.S. President Trump’s proposal to resettle Palestinians in other countries. While analysts highlighted Arab countries negative reaction to Trump’s suggestion – it’s exactly what Israel’s far-right has been hoping for. In 2024, The Times of Israel and Haaretz both reported that there was already a move by far-right politicians to sell off land in Gaza to Jewish settlers. Arab nations fear that any resettlement of Palestinians abroad will undermine a two-state solution and cause destabilization. Meanwhile, though Israeli officials have said there are no planned deportations, some Israeli politicians continue to raise alarm with their current rhetoric. Two of those include far-right coalition ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich who have repeatedly stated publicly their opposition to a ceasefire and a two-state solution. Both ministers went so far as to publicly voice their support to permanently resettle Palestinians in other countries without the possibility of returning to Gaza. U.N. officials have said it’s impossible to assure safe evacuation routes within Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas have accused the other side of violating it. On Sunday, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement by blocking the return of displaced civilians to northern Gaza. That was after Israel had agreed that they would be able to return to what was left of their homes. In a statement, Hamas said “The Israeli occupation is delaying the implementation of the terms of the agreement.” Israel claims to be holding out on letting Palestinians return to northern Gaza until Israeli captive Arbel Yehud is released. Hamas said it informed mediators that Yehud is alive and has made all the necessary guarantees for her release. In a further statement, Hamas said “We are following up with the mediators to find a solution to this issue in a way that ensures the return of the displaced to their homes as soon as possible.” The statement added that Hamas holds Israel “fully responsible” for delaying the return of displaced civilians. Hanas also underscored its commitment to keeping the terms of the ceasefire agreement “to protect the interests and rights of the Palestinian people.” Israel’s news website Walla said that 29-year-old Yehud was trained under Israel’s military space program is classified as a soldier.
