Thu Feb 20 05:13:29 UTC 2025: ## Arab Summit in Riyadh to Counter Trump’s Gaza Plan
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia –** A mini-Arab summit, expanded to include all six Gulf Cooperation Council members plus Egypt and Jordan, will convene in Riyadh on February 21st to address President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to “relocate” the Palestinian population of Gaza. The plan, which has been described as ethnic cleansing, is facing strong opposition from Arab nations.
The summit, initially scheduled for February 20th, comes amid heightened regional tensions following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27th, 2024. Nasrallah’s funeral in Beirut on February 23rd is expected to draw a large crowd, showcasing the power of the Shia crescent.
Diplomats attending the Riyadh talks indicate that the impact of Trump’s Gaza plan will unfold over the next six months. The summit aims to prevent immediate escalation. Analysts criticize Trump’s proposal as a flawed “America First” policy that disregards the interests of other stakeholders, particularly European powers who could face repercussions if the Arab bloc unites against it.
Najib Saab, Secretary General of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development, highlights Europe’s energy dependence on the Gulf, contrasting it with the U.S.’s energy independence. He suggests that destabilizing the region through the relocation plan could disrupt European energy supplies, prompting a significant Arab pushback.
The UAE’s opposition to the plan, echoed by Saudi Arabia, underscores a unified Arab stance: normalization of relations with Israel hinges on an independent Palestinian state. The summit aims to present a united front against Trump’s proposal and to counter the potential show of strength by the Shia bloc at Nasrallah’s funeral.
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