Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, has reiterated that the future of Gaza should be determined solely by the Palestinian people, not by foreign powers.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 18, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, emphasised that Gaza’s fate is a “Palestinian matter” and should not be dictated by external forces.

"From our perspective, this is a Palestinian issue regarding what happens after this conflict," he stated. When asked about Israel’s objective of eliminating Hamas, al-Ansari responded, "It is up to the Palestinians to decide who represents them politically and what political groups operate within their sphere."

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan, suggesting that Gaza’s 2.4 million residents could be relocated to Egypt or Jordan. He claimed that Washington would "take control" of Gaza and resettle its population elsewhere, envisioning it as the "Riviera of the Middle East."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also dismissed Palestinian sovereignty, proposing that Palestinians establish their state in Saudi Arabia. This suggestion has sparked widespread condemnation, with Arab states, including Egypt and Jordan, preparing an official response.

The ceasefire talks have been further complicated by these statements, as international opposition grows against any plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The notion of a so-called "voluntary migration" of Palestinians was first introduced under the Biden administration by far-right Israeli ministers.

On January 15, after failing to achieve its declared war objectives—including the destruction of Hamas and the release of Israeli prisoners—Israel was compelled to accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.