Countries are considering withdrawing from the Gaza Rehabilitation Center following Donald Trump’s conduct

However, eight foreign diplomats told Reuters that officials from several European countries had not returned to the center since the Christmas and New Year holidays. One Western diplomat described the center as “directionless,” while another noted that “everyone thinks it’s a disaster, but there is no alternative.”

The diplomats noted that there has been no significant increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect, contrary to the statements of the White House, and that Israel remains in practice in control of the aid policy. Israel continues to restrict the entry of equipment defined as “dual-use”, including metal poles for tents for the displaced population. An official from the Ministry of Defense told Reuters in response that 45% of the trucks that entered were commercial, and that aid trucks receive priority. Regarding the tent poles, the official suggested the use of wooden poles as an alternative.

Despite the criticism and doubts about the center’s purpose, the diplomats estimated that the countries would not officially leave the center. This is, among other things, out of fear of provoking the anger of President Trump, as well as out of a desire to maintain a European presence that will balance the Israeli influence, since there is no Palestinian representation in the center. Since the beginning of the ceasefire in October, more than 460 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed in the fighting.