US President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, citing the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from ongoing Israeli military actions. The proposal was welcomed by Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich but faced strong opposition from Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Trump Floats Relocation Plan
“I’d like Egypt to take people,” Trump said onboard Air Force One following a phone conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan. Jordan should take people, too. To enable Palestinians to “live in peace for a change,” he suggested constructing buildings in other places and referred to Gaza as a “demolition site.”
In order to talk more about the move, Trump also declared that he would meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Israel Supports the Proposal
According to reports, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocated for Trump’s suggestion, labeling it “out-of-the-box thinking,” and as a possible way for Palestinians to have peaceful lives. “After years of glorifying terrorism, they will be able to establish new and better lives in other places,” he said.
Smotrich assured that he will collaborate with the leadership of Israel to create a practical plan to accomplish Trump’s initiative.
Hamas and Palestinian Groups Condemn
The groups strongly opposed Trump’s proposal. Islamic Jihad referred to the plan as “deplorable,” claiming that Trump supported “war crimes and crimes against humanity by forcing our people to leave their land.”
Hamas also expressed the same reaction, with senior official Bassem Naim stating an intention to oppose any plans. “As they have foiled every plan for displacement and alternative homelands over the decades, our people will also foil such projects,” he declared.
The Gaza Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated since October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated a deadly assault on Israel. This attack caused the death of 1,200 people, while 250 people were held hostage.
Israeli retaliation has meant that over 47,000 people have died so far, reports the Gaza health ministry. The operation has been likened to accusations of war crimes and genocide, both of which Israel has denied.
The violence has been temporarily stopped by a week-long ceasefire that has resulted in the exchange of hostages and inmates. Global players are keeping a close eye on the developments as Trump’s contentious proposal has rekindled discussions about Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights.
