Donald Trump has proposed that Palestinians in Gaza would not have the right to return under his plan for U.S. “ownership” of the war-torn territory. His comments contradict statements from his administration, which previously claimed the relocation would only be temporary.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
In an interview with FOX News’ Bret Baier, Trump was asked whether Palestinians would be allowed to return to Gaza. His response was firm: “No, they wouldn’t.” He elaborated that the U.S. would develop Gaza into a thriving region, calling it “a real estate development for the future.”
“We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is,” he added, suggesting that displaced Palestinians could be relocated elsewhere.
Arab Nations Push Back
Trump’s remarks come just before he is set to host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House. His proposal has faced sharp criticism from Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, which are concerned about taking in large numbers of Palestinian refugees, even temporarily.
While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that any relocation would be for an “interim” period, Trump’s latest comments indicate a more permanent displacement.
Implications for the Two-State Solution
The proposal has raised concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that permanently removing Palestinians from Gaza undermines hopes for a two-state solution, which has long been a key objective in Middle East peace negotiations.
As Trump prepares to meet with regional leaders, his plan continues to face significant opposition from international stakeholders.
