UAE political analyst and former Federal National Council candidate

Among the most striking positions in the regional and international debate over US President Donald Trump’s proposal to deport Palestinian residents from the Gaza Strip is a letter from Prince Turki Al Faisal, former Saudi Ambassador to Washington, addressed directly to President Trump.

Trump’s proposal has ignited both Arab and international mobilization, raising serious questions about the White House’s commitment, the feasibility of the idea, its prospects for implementation, and the stances of Arab and Islamic states.

Prince Turki’s letter is both eloquent and forthright. He reminds us that Saudi Arabia has been engaged with this matter since its inception after World War II and has played a substantial role in the international discourse on the existence of the State of Israel. By clarifying the historical roots and evolution of the conflict, he reinforces the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to supporting any initiative aimed at bringing peace to the Middle East.

The Prince insists that peace can only be achieved by granting the Palestinians “their inalienable right to self-determination and a state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolutions 181 and 194, Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, and the Arab Peace Initiative. He asserts that addressing this critical concern with justice and equality is indispensable for lasting peace in the region.

In his letter, Prince Turki—who also served as Saudi intelligence chief—urges President Trump to assume the role of peacemaker. This call conforms perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s official stance, as confirmed by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement that the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing a Palestinian state is “firmly established and unwavering.” Riyadh remains steadfast in its persistent efforts toward this goal.

President Trump’s objectives in the Middle East, however, appear contradictory. While he has declared that the US military will not engage in new wars and has promised to foster peace, his proposal to relocate Palestinians—regardless of its practicality—has considerably hindered progress.

This debate is not about normalizing diplomatic bonds between Israel and its Arab neighbors; rather, it concerns the US’ image and its connections with its longstanding allies in the Gulf and the broader Middle East. Although aligning closely with Israel is well within President Trump’s rights, doing so places his Gulf allies in an awkward position.

The affiliation between the US and Gulf Cooperation Council countries—especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE—is crucial for both sides. Given this mutual dependency, neither party can afford to neglect their shared interests. Mutual understanding, coordinated positions, and ongoing dialogue are indispensable to preserve these enduring partnerships. Any harm to these interests, whether direct or indirect, not only contradicts President Trump’s “America First” doctrine but also jeopardizes the strategic environment that underpins Israel.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized President Trump as Israel’s most loyal friend among American presidents, genuine support for Israel involves creating conditions that foster peaceful coexistence with its Arab neighbors.

It is also noteworthy that official diplomatic bonds have existed since 2020 between Israel and both the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain. These developments follow several phases of regional peace agreements. Today, as long-held convictions evolve, the success of future strategies depends on meeting the proper conditions for all involved parties.

There is growing promise for all sides as a shared desire for peace and stability seeks to overcome decades of conflict and tension. Advancing in this direction—nurturing collaborative efforts and striving for genuine peace in the Middle East—will provide substantial support for Israel’s future and that of coming generations. This is especially pertinent as several Arab states have developed clear, implementable visions to address the intricate challenges surrounding the Gaza Strip, a potential flashpoint capable of destabilizing the entire region.

I also disagree with those who argue that President Trump’s deportation proposal is the result of inventive reasoning born from a scarcity of alternatives for the Gaza Strip crisis. In reality, well-conceived plans exist—most notably the UAE’s post-war vision, which outlines a lucid pathway to foster coexistence and peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Implemented alongside reconstruction initiatives, this plan promises a settlement that respects the rights of Palestinians, Israelis, and other Arab states that would be affected by any coercive solution.

Otherwise, any forced method risks unleashing further violence, instability, terrorism, and extremism in an already volatile region.