Trump Proposes Relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt

In the wake of escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, President Trump has suggested that both Jordan and Egypt should take in a greater number of Palestinians, in an effort to "clean out" the Gaza Strip. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he expressed that he had already communicated with Jordan’s King Abdullah II regarding the situation and planned to reach out to Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Trump noted, “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing,” emphasizing the dire state of Gaza which he described as a “demolition site.”

While the population of Gaza is estimated at around two million, Trump’s proposal comes in as part of a larger narrative aligned with some factions within the Israeli far-right, who advocate for the relocation of Palestinians from the territory. His suggestion has been met with staunch opposition from Hamas leaders, who condemned the idea, asserting the resolve of the Palestinian people to remain in their homeland despite the destruction they have faced over the last 15 months due to ongoing conflict.

Basem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, countered Trump’s remarks by referring to the hardships endured by Palestinians, characterizing the current situation in Gaza as one of humanity's great tragedies. He articulated the Palestinian stance against any proposals that might compel them to seek refuge elsewhere, hinting at the long-lasting implications of such actions on their rights and territorial integrity.

As discussions continue, the ramifications of Trump's statements on U.S. foreign policy in the region, as well as the broader implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, remain to be seen.