Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, calling the area a “demolition site” following 15 months of conflict with Israel. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed he had discussed the matter with Jordan’s King Abdullah and planned to approach Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with a similar proposal. The move, described as potentially temporary or long-term, has been met with strong opposition from Hamas and displaced Palestinians.
Bassem Naim of Hamas emphasized the Palestinian people’s determination to remain on their ancestral land, dismissing any proposals of relocation, even under the guise of reconstruction. “Our people… will thwart such projects,” Naim stated. Gaza residents, like Abu Yahya Rashid, expressed similar sentiments, asserting their refusal to leave their homeland except “as corpses.”
The Gaza Strip, home to two million people, has been devastated by the ongoing conflict. The United Nations estimates 60% of its infrastructure has been destroyed, with reconstruction likely to take decades. Trump’s comments come amid renewed debates over U.S. foreign policy in the region, which has historically supported the creation of a Palestinian state with Gaza as a central component. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected such initiatives.
Trump’s remarks also drew support from Israeli far-right politicians like Itamar Ben-Gvir, who praised the idea of transferring Gaza residents to neighboring countries. Ben-Gvir framed it as part of a broader strategy for “voluntary emigration.” Conversely, Egyptian President al-Sisi and other regional leaders have previously rejected forced displacement, advocating instead for an independent Palestinian state.
The proposal has heightened tensions as Palestinians await the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in northern Gaza. Displaced residents expressed mixed emotions, with many eager to return to their demolished homes despite the overwhelming destruction.
Trump also disclosed the resumption of arms shipments to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs, ending delays imposed during President Joe Biden’s administration. The United States remains Israel’s primary arms supplier, despite growing calls to limit such support due to the extensive destruction in Gaza.
Trump’s comments have reignited debates over the long-term future of Gaza and the U.S.’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing condemnation from Palestinians and complicating regional diplomacy.
