Egypt Reschedules Emergency Summit on Gaza Crisis to March 4/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Egypt has postponed an emergency Arab summit originally set for February 27, now rescheduled for March 4, to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza’s population. The delay allows for further “logistical and objective preparations,” according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry. The proposal, which suggests removing Palestinians from Gaza, has been widely rejected by Arab nations and human rights groups. Meanwhile, Hamas has announced plans to release six Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of an ongoing ceasefire deal.
Gaza Crisis and Arab Summit: Quick Look
- Summit Delay: Egypt postponed the emergency Arab summit on Gaza to March 4 for further preparations.
- Trump’s Proposal: The U.S. plan suggests relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population, sparking regional backlash.
- Hamas Hostage Release: Six Israeli hostages to be freed on Saturday under the first phase of a ceasefire deal.
- Palestinian Leadership Shakeup: President Abbas fired a top official after ending stipends for prisoners’ families.
- Israel-UN Conflict: Israel shuts down four UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, escalating tensions.
Egypt Reschedules Emergency Summit on Gaza Crisis to March 4
Deep Look:
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that the emergency Arab summit originally set for February 27 will now take place in Cairo on March 4. The delay allows additional time for “logistical and objective preparations,” though no further details were provided.
The summit comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal advocating the removal of Palestinians from Gaza and a potential Israeli takeover of the territory. The plan has been met with widespread rejection from Arab nations, Palestinian leaders, and human rights organizations, who argue that it constitutes forced displacement and violates international law.
Israel has expressed support for the proposal, while regional leaders seek a unified response. The rescheduled summit will provide an opportunity for Arab nations to formulate their stance and discuss potential countermeasures.
Hamas to Release Six Israeli Hostages
In a separate development, Hamas announced that it will release six Israeli hostages on Saturday. These individuals are the last remaining captives set to be freed under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire deal, negotiated with international mediation, has already seen previous hostage releases in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, negotiations for the second phase—where Hamas would release more hostages in return for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal—remain uncertain.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya confirmed the upcoming release in prerecorded remarks on Tuesday, but Israel has yet to comment.
Palestinian Leadership Shakeup
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has removed Qadoura Fares, the head of the Prisoner Affairs Commission, following criticism over Abbas’ recent decision to end payments to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of attacks against Israelis.
The move to eliminate the so-called “martyrs’ fund” was seen as a concession to longstanding pressure from the U.S. and Israel, who argue that such payments encourage violence. However, many Palestinians view the stipends as essential support for families affected by Israeli military actions.
Hamas condemned Fares’ removal, calling it an example of the Palestinian Authority’s “oppression and exclusion” and accusing Abbas of bowing to American and Israeli demands. Abbas’ decision has deepened his unpopularity among Palestinians, who increasingly view his administration as autocratic and ineffective.
Israel Raids and Closes UNRWA Schools
Tensions between Israel and the United Nations have escalated further after Israeli forces raided and shut down four UNRWA-run schools in East Jerusalem on Tuesday.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid and education to Palestinian refugees, has faced mounting restrictions from Israel, which accuses the organization of harboring ties to Hamas. U.N. officials deny these claims and call the closures an unjustified attack on Palestinian education rights.
According to UNRWA officials, Israeli police stormed the Qalandiya Training Center, firing tear gas and sound grenades while ordering the evacuation of 350 students and 30 staff members. Three other schools were forcibly closed, though two managed to continue classes.
UNRWA’s West Bank director, Roland Friedrich, condemned the raids as a “violation of United Nations privileges and immunities” and a “denial of the right to education.”
Conclusion
The postponement of the Arab summit underscores the geopolitical turmoil surrounding Trump’s Gaza proposal, while ongoing hostage negotiations, Palestinian leadership tensions, and UN-Israel conflicts add further complexity to the crisis. As the March 4 summit approaches, Arab leaders will need to navigate both diplomatic and humanitarian challenges in addressing the fate of Gaza.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.