Trump’s controversial proposal, part of his broader peace initiative, called for significant changes in the region, including the possible relocation of Gazans to other areas. The suggestion stirred fierce criticism from Palestinian leaders and regional actors who viewed the plan as a denial of Palestinian territorial rights. Shtayyeh responded firmly, stating that such suggestions were not just impractical but also morally wrong. “Relocating our people is not an option,” he declared. “Our people belong here, in Gaza, and we will rebuild it with our own hands.”
The issue of Gaza’s reconstruction has been at the forefront of Palestinian politics for years, especially after the Israeli military’s repeated operations in the region. Gaza, which has faced severe infrastructural damage and economic decline due to these conflicts, remains heavily dependent on international aid for survival. Shtayyeh has called for international cooperation to rebuild Gaza but on the Palestinians' terms, stressing that any external help must come with full respect for Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination.
Trump’s peace plan, often referred to as the “deal of the century,” has been a point of contention within the international community. Critics argue that the plan is heavily skewed in favor of Israeli interests, offering limited benefits to Palestinians. One of the most contentious aspects has been the proposal to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital, a move rejected by the Palestinian leadership, which views East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
While the U.S. administration has touted its efforts to broker a lasting peace in the region, many Palestinians feel sidelined by the peace process. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has labeled Trump’s initiative as a “conspiracy” against Palestinian rights, further exacerbating tensions between the Palestinian Authority and the United States. The administration’s alignment with Israeli policies, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has led to a breakdown in communication between Palestinian leaders and the U.S.
The Palestinian leadership has also condemned the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan. These agreements, known as the Abraham Accords, were brokered by the Trump administration and have led to the normalization of diplomatic ties between these countries and Israel. However, many Palestinians view these deals as a betrayal of their cause, undermining efforts to achieve a two-state solution and a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Shtayyeh’s comments underscore a broader sentiment within the Palestinian Authority that the U.S. is no longer a neutral mediator in the conflict. With the Trump administration’s strong pro-Israel stance, many Palestinians see the U.S. as an active party in perpetuating the status quo, rather than facilitating a genuine peace process. Shtayyeh’s rejection of Trump’s proposal also reflects growing frustration among Palestinians over the lack of progress in peace negotiations, with many feeling that their rights and aspirations are continually disregarded.
In addition to rejecting the relocation proposal, Shtayyeh also outlined plans for Gaza’s reconstruction. He called for a focus on rebuilding essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and homes, while also revitalizing Gaza’s economy. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of international support for these efforts, but insisted that the Palestinian Authority would remain in control of the reconstruction process. “We will not allow others to dictate our future,” he said, stressing that any external involvement must come with full Palestinian consent and oversight.
Despite the rejection of Trump’s plan, the U.S. administration’s approach to Gaza remains a topic of debate. Some analysts argue that Trump’s vision, while controversial, could offer a fresh perspective on the conflict, one that challenges traditional assumptions and seeks to find a pragmatic solution. However, for many Palestinians, the plan is seen as another attempt to erase their rights and undermine their claim to a sovereign state.