The Palestinian presidency has firmly rejected any notions of selling its land or compromising its historical and cultural heritage, emphasizing that “Palestine, with its land, history and holy sites, is not for sale.” Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh stated that Palestinians will not concede any part of their territory, whether in Gaza or the occupied West Bank, amid ongoing tensions surrounding proposed investment projects in the region.
Abu Rudeineh warned against repeating the tragedies of the past, specifically referencing the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 war, which led to significant Palestinian displacement and loss of land. He asserted that the Palestinian leadership is committed to resisting any plans that threaten their rights and existence, particularly those that aim to erase their cause through economic initiatives that do not belong in Palestine.
The Nakba, meaning "catastrophe" in Arabic, marks the mass exodus of Palestinians during the establishment of Israel, with many refugees settling in Gaza, where they and their descendants now comprise a substantial portion of the population. According to United Nations data, approximately 900,000 registered refugees are in the West Bank, while millions more reside in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
Despite Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, the UN continues to classify the territory as occupied due to Israel’s control over its borders, airspace, and maritime access. This control significantly impacts the movement of people and goods, leaving many Palestinians in a state of uncertainty and dependency.
In a show of regional solidarity, Jordan’s king expressed his nation’s opposition to any efforts to annex land or displace Palestinians, while Egypt’s foreign minister highlighted the necessity of reconstruction efforts that do not force Palestinians to leave Gaza. The international community remains watchful, with the UN human rights office reiterating that any forced displacement from occupied territories is prohibited under international law.
In response to proposals from former President Trump, which were criticized by Hamas as “absurd,” concerns have been raised about further exacerbating tensions in the region. The UN Secretary-General has stressed the importance of preventing any form of ethnic cleansing, asserting that Gaza must remain a vital part of any future Palestinian state.
Antonio Guterres, addressing a meeting in New York, condemned the ongoing dehumanization of the Palestinian people, calling for urgent action to uphold their rights and dignity. As the situation continues to evolve, the Palestinian leadership remains resolute in its commitment to protect its land and people from any plans that threaten their existence.