US President Donald Trump proposed on Saturday that Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations take in more Palestinian refugees from Gaza following the recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Trump suggested relocating up to 1.5 million Palestinians to “clear out” the Gaza Strip, citing the region’s long history of conflict.
“I’d like Egypt to take people. I’d like Jordan to take people. Over the centuries, that area has seen many, many conflicts. Something has to happen,” Trump said during a press briefing aboard Air Force One.
Trump Praises Jordan’s Refugee Efforts in Call with King Abdullah II
Trump said he had a “very good” phone conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on hosting more Palestinian refugees. He praised Jordan for its humanitarian treatment of millions of Palestinians and suggested the country take additional refugees.
He’s a friend of mine, and we’ve had a great relationship over the years. He’s done an excellent job housing millions of Palestinians in a very humane way. I praised him for that,” Trump said, adding that he plans to discuss the matter with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Hamas Rejects Trump’s Proposal
Hamas quickly rebuffed the proposition of transferring the Palestinians to nearby countries. “As they have disappointed every plan to displace them and give them an alternative homeland during the years, our people will disappoint such plans too,” stated senior Hamas official Bassem Naim.
Trump also eased the Biden-era restrictions on supplying 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. The former administration had put in place the restriction in a bid to minimize civilian casualties in Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza.
Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire
Following the killing of 1,200 Israelis and more than 250 captives in the October 7 attack in southern Israel, the war between Israel and Hamas has proceeded to escalate. According to local health officials, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza in retribution, killing about 47,000 Palestinians.
