Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Egypt and Jordan accommodate Palestinians displaced from Gaza, a region he referred to as a "demolition site." Speaking aboard
Air Force One, Trump stated he had already raised the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah and intended to discuss it with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Trump suggested relocating Gaza’s residents—around 1.5 million people—either temporarily or permanently. “We just clean out that whole thing,” he remarked, adding, “Maybe they can live in peace for a change.”
The comments drew swift backlash. Hamas, governing Gaza, condemned the proposal, vowing resistance to any displacement. Jordan’s Foreign Minister declared the kingdom's stance against relocating Palestinians was "firm and unwavering."
Gaza’s ongoing crisis
After 15 months of conflict with Israel, much of Gaza lies in ruins, with over two million people displaced. The United Nations reports 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed, and rebuilding could take decades. Despite this devastation, Palestinians continue to resist displacement.
“Our people… will not accept any offers or solutions under the guise of reconstruction,” said Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, asserting Gaza as their ancestral home. Similarly, displaced Palestinian Abu Yahya Rashid declared, “We will not leave it except as corpses.”
Egypt and Jordan's resistance
Egypt has previously rejected forced displacement of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula, emphasizing an independent Palestinian state as the only solution. Meanwhile, Jordan already hosts over two million Palestinian refugees, descendants of those displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.
Global reactions
Trump’s remarks align with some far-right Israeli figures, such as former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who advocate voluntary emigration for Palestinians. Others oppose displacement, including the U.S. government, which has historically supported a two-state solution with Gaza as integral.
Renewed debate on U.S. support for Israel
Amid the war’s devastation, Trump also announced resuming the supply of U.S. bombs to Israel, ending a hold imposed by President Joe Biden. The U.S., Israel’s largest arms supplier, has faced mounting criticism for the destruction caused by American-made weapons in Gaza.
Despite Trump’s vision of relocation, Palestinians remain resolute, clinging to their land and history in the face of immense adversity. Photo by Template:Wmcu, Wikimedia commons.