Jerusalem: U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Jordan and Egypt take in Palestinians from Gaza, a suggestion met with firm rejection by Hamas and apparent disapproval from Jordan. Trump’s remarks came amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have caused a humanitarian crisis, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
When asked whether his proposal was a temporary or permanent solution, Trump responded, “Could be either.” Jordan, already home to millions of Palestinians, and Egypt have long opposed relocating Palestinians, emphasizing Gaza’s importance as part of a future Palestinian state.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich endorsed Trump’s idea, calling it “an excellent proposal” and pledged to work on its implementation. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently dismissed similar relocation plans despite Smotrich’s advocacy.
Palestinian Reactions
Hamas officials reiterated long-standing fears of forced displacement. Basem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, stated, “Palestinians will not accept any offers or solutions, even if they appear to have good intentions under the guise of reconstruction.” Another Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, urged Trump to abandon “failed” policies attempted by previous U.S. administrations.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed the country’s opposition to any displacement of Palestinians, calling the stance “firm and unwavering.” Egypt has yet to comment, though it has consistently rejected similar proposals.
Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned the idea, asserting, “Our people will remain steadfast and will not leave their homeland.”
Regional and International Responses
Palestinian analyst Ghassan al-Khatib noted widespread opposition to Trump’s suggestion among Palestinians and neighboring Arab nations, stating, “I don’t think that there is a place in reality for such an idea.”
In a call with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Trump reportedly proposed Jordan take in displaced Gazans, describing Gaza as “a real mess.” He added that he would discuss the matter with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Trump suggested relocating over 1.5 million people and constructing housing in alternative locations, stating, “It’s literally a demolition site… I’d rather get involved with some Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace.”
Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich supported Trump’s “out-of-the-box thinking,” framing the relocation as an opportunity for Palestinians to “build new and better lives elsewhere.” In response, Francesca Albanese, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemned the idea as “ethnic cleansing,” describing it as “illegal, immoral, and irresponsible.”
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Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has left Gaza in ruins. Israel’s military operations have resulted in over 47,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with nearly the entire population displaced. International rights groups have raised alarms over the humanitarian toll, emphasizing the need for immediate relief efforts.
Despite the devastation, Gazans have rejected any suggestion of relocation. “The Palestinian people firmly believe that this land is theirs, this soil is their soil,” said Magdy Seidam, a displaced Gazan resident.
Context of the Conflict
The current escalation began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Israel’s retaliatory assault on Gaza has decimated infrastructure and created a humanitarian catastrophe. While a fragile ceasefire has temporarily paused the fighting, the crisis continues to draw international concern and criticism.
