CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II stressed Wednesday the “unity” of their countries’ positions on Gaza, a day after US President Donald Trump held talks with the Jordanian monarch in Washington.
“The two leaders affirmed the unity of the Egyptian and Jordanian positions,” on the reconstruction of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, “without displacing the Palestinian people from their land,” a statement from the Egyptian presidency read.
Another statement from the Jordanian royal court said that the two leaders stressed their “shared position” rejecting the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Both statements also referred to their willingness to “cooperate” with Trump to achieve “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East.
Egypt and Jordan have been at the forefront of a fierce Arab pushback against a Trump plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the two countries.
Trump’s remarks have been coupled with a suggestion that he could “conceivably” halt aid to both countries if they refuse to take in Palestinians.
After his talks with Trump in Washington on Tuesday, King Abdullah II said that his country remains “steadfast” in its position against the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
“This is the unified Arab position,” Abdullah wrote on social media.
Egypt announced this week that it would host a summit of Arab nations later this month. It also said it would present a “comprehensive vision” for Gaza’s reconstruction in a way that ensures Palestinians remain on their land.
Egypt and Jordan, both key US allies, are heavily reliant on foreign aid and the US is considered one of their top donors.
Egypt’s El-Sisi, Jordan king stress ‘unity’ of positions on Gaza: Egypt presidency
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Egypt’s El-Sisi, Jordan king stress ‘unity’ of positions on Gaza: Egypt presidency
- Leaders affirmed the “unity of the Egyptian and Jordanian positions,” on the reconstruction of Gaza Strip, “without displacing the Palestinian people”: Statement
Hallelujah! This Christmas, join us as we wish for peace across the region
RIYADH: In continuing with a tradition that began in December 2022, Arab News extends a heartfelt Merry Christmas to our Christian readers and all who celebrate. This year’s special edition spotlights Christmas across the Middle East, emphasizing interfaith harmony, resilience and cultural integration. All wrapped with a special, and sincere, message of hope that we see peace spreading across the region in 2026.
Leading our coverage is an exclusive column from renowned scholar Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and president of the Organization of Muslim Scholars. His message clarifies a vital principle: “There is no Shariah text that prohibits congratulating non-Muslims on their religious holidays, including Christmas.” He frames this goodwill not as a dilution of faith, but as its strength; one that affirms human dignity and fosters the social harmony desperately needed today.
This theme of solidarity amid suffering is echoed from Bethlehem, where Palestinian pastor Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac explains that Palestinian Christianity is inseparable from national identity. In response to Gaza’s devastation, his congregation erected a nativity scene from rubble, the infant Jesus wrapped in a keffiyeh. “It was a message of faith,” he states. “Christ stands in solidarity with the suffering ... because he was born into suffering.”
From this depth emerges stories of renewal. In Damascus, festive lights return as Syrians of all faiths embrace a fragile peace. In Lebanon, celebrations pierce through political gloom with moments of joy. Jordan’s public spaces glow with trees and Fairouz’s Christmas hymns, while the UAE’s multicultural diaspora erupts in bustling, festive unity.
The historical and intellectual depth of the region’s Christian heritage is underscored by Dr. Abdellatif El-Menawy, who notes Egypt’s indispensable role in shaping Christianity from a spiritual message into a civilization. This legacy of deep-rooted faith finds vibrant, modern expression.
Here in Saudi Arabia, the festive season is acknowledged with innovative hospitality, as chefs reimagine Christmas menus through a lens of local flavors and creative culinary identity.
This special edition paints a picture far richer than simple seasonal cheer. It reveals a Middle East where different faiths deepen their own roots by extending respect to others, where celebrations are woven with threads of historical endurance, and where the message of Christmas — one of hope, peace and shared humanity — resonates with cheer and confidence.
