RAMALLAH, Jan 27: The Palestinian presidency reaffirmed its rejection of displacement and alternative homeland proposals, stressing that such plans only contribute to instability and chaos in the region. The alternative, according to presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh, is to achieve a just peace based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

In a press statement, Abu Rudeineh explained that the Palestinian people, who have endured the hardships of the 1948 and 1967 Nakba, will never accept these projects. He pointed to the return of Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza, despite the ongoing destruction and crimes committed by occupying forces, as a testament to the resilience of the Palestinian people. He emphasized that no one will succeed in displacing them from their land.

Abu Rudeineh stressed that the Palestinians' unwavering attachment to their land proves that the only path to security and stability in the region is through recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people. This includes ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called for the unity of Palestinian territories, encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, while preserving the holy sites.

Since the onset of the occupation’s aggression, President Mahmoud Abbas has repeatedly emphasized the Palestinian position, which calls for an end to the violence, the prevention of displacement, and the protection of every inch of Gaza’s land. He affirmed that the State of Palestine maintains political, legal, and administrative authority over Gaza, just as it does over all Palestinian land.

Abu Rudeineh highlighted ongoing coordination with Egypt and Jordan, praising both countries for their positions in preventing displacement. He also thanked all Arab and international parties that have supported the Palestinian cause.

Looking ahead, Abu Rudeineh outlined the need to solidify and maintain the ceasefire, withdraw occupation forces entirely, and for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to assume its responsibilities in Gaza. He stressed that the focus should now be on achieving peace and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Finally, he called on the new U.S. administration to support solutions that will lead to lasting peace and stability for the region and the world.