Former President Donald Trump revealed plans to potentially relocate over 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt, following discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Trump’s remarks, made aboard Air Force One, suggest a dramatic shift in US foreign policy, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
“I spoke with King Abdullah about taking in more Palestinians,” Trump said. “Gaza is a mess, and something has to be done. I’d love to involve other Arab nations in building housing in safer areas where they might finally live in peace.”
Trump’s proposal included speaking with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as Gaza shares a border with Egypt. The president stated that any new housing for displaced Palestinians could be temporary or permanent.
Jordan’s official news agency confirmed the phone call but did not mention discussions on resettling Palestinians. Jordan, already home to 2.39 million registered Palestinian refugees according to the UN, has long resisted further influxes of refugees, calling such proposals a “red line.”
Decades of Conflict and Current Conditions in Gaza
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has devastated Gaza, leaving tens of thousands dead and 90% of its population displaced. According to the UN, Israeli airstrikes have damaged or destroyed 60% of buildings, including hospitals and schools, with 92% of homes rendered uninhabitable. Many Gazans have been forced to relocate repeatedly, often more than ten times.
Trump’s comments echo sentiments from far-right Israeli officials who have suggested relocating Palestinians as a solution to decades-long conflicts. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported Trump’s idea, describing it as “out-of-the-box thinking” and claiming that prior solutions, like a two-state framework, have only led to violence.
However, critics have condemned the plan. Egyptian President El-Sisi previously rejected proposals to relocate Gaza’s residents, stating that such actions would erase the possibility of a Palestinian state. Palestinian politician Dr. Mustafa Barghouti also dismissed Trump’s comments, warning that they amount to “ethnic cleansing” and would not succeed in Gaza or the West Bank.
Shift in US Policy Under Trump
Upon returning to office, Trump reversed several Biden-era measures, including lifting restrictions on the sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. Trump also indicated interest in rebuilding Gaza, describing its location as “phenomenal” and its climate “perfect.” His son-in-law Jared Kushner had similarly called Gaza’s waterfront property “very valuable,” suggesting earlier this year that relocating Palestinians and “cleaning up” Gaza could be viable solutions.
Trump’s proposed strategy underscores the challenges of addressing decades of conflict, displacement, and regional tensions. With approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees worldwide, resettlement remains a deeply contentious issue, stirring strong opposition from both regional leaders and the Palestinian community.
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