Former US President Donald Trump has proposed that Egypt and Jordan accept Palestinian residents from Gaza. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” and suggested relocating nearly 1.5 million Palestinians. He said the plan “could be temporary” or possibly “long-term.”
Trump claimed to have discussed the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah and planned to address Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. However, Jordan firmly rejected the proposal. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated the kingdom remains “unwavering” in opposing any Palestinian displacement.
Widespread Condemnation of Displacement Proposals
Palestinian groups have strongly opposed Trump’s remarks. Hamas, which governs Gaza, dismissed the proposal as an attempt to erase Palestinian identity. Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, asserted that Palestinians would not abandon their land. He warned against solutions framed as reconstruction offers.
In the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also rejected any plans for forced displacement. Many Palestinians expressed outrage over such ideas, emphasizing their historical connection to Gaza.
Abu Yahya Rashid, a displaced resident of Khan Younis, said, “We will not leave our land except as corpses. This is the property of our ancestors.”
Regional Tensions Amid Gaza Devastation
The 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas has left Gaza in ruins. Gaza’s health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported over 47,200 Palestinian deaths during Israel’s offensive. Most of Gaza’s two million residents remain displaced. The United Nations estimates that 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed, with reconstruction expected to take decades.
Egypt has rejected previous calls to resettle Palestinians in the Sinai Peninsula. President Sisi has maintained that an independent Palestinian state is the only viable solution. Thousands of Palestinians who fled to Egypt since the conflict began lack official refugee recognition.
Historical Context and Political Implications
Israel’s far-right politicians have previously endorsed relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries. Figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have openly supported such measures. They argue that resettlement would allow Jewish settlements to return to Gaza.
Trump’s comments have reignited debate over the US role in the Middle East. His nominee for US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has publicly rejected the idea of a Palestinian state. This stance contrasts with six decades of US foreign policy, which has endorsed a two-state solution.
Future Uncertainty
Palestinians fear that Trump’s proposals could embolden far-right Israeli policies. Trump’s comments also coincide with his decision to resume supplying advanced weapons to Israel. Critics argue that continued US arms shipments fuel destruction in Gaza and undermine peace efforts.
Observers view Trump’s remarks as part of a broader hardline shift in his approach to Middle East policy. Palestinians remain resolute in their rejection of any displacement. As Gaza’s residents endure immense hardship, the region faces further uncertainty.
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