Middle Eastern leaders reject Trump’s proposal to displace Gaza residents

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and Hamas leaders have strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion to displace Gaza’s population after the region was left in ruins by months of conflict.

Trump’s remarks, made Sunday, included a controversial proposal to “clean out” Gaza and move Palestinians to neighboring countries, including Egypt and Jordan.

“I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump said, adding that he had discussed the matter with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and was expected to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

However, both Jordan and Egypt firmly rejected any attempts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated, “Our rejection of the displacement of Palestinians is firm and will not change,” stressing that “Palestine is for Palestinians.”

Egypt had previously warned that such a plan would jeopardize its peace treaty with Israel, as it could involve forcibly displacing Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula.

The proposal triggered fierce condemnation from Palestinian groups. Hamas official Bassem Naim vowed that Palestinians would “foil such projects,” referring to Trump’s plan as part of a long history of failed attempts to displace Palestinians.

The contentious remarks came as negotiations over swap of hostages and prisoners in the context of the Israel-Hamas truce appeared to be nearing resolution.

The latest exchange, which took place on Saturday, saw the release of four Israeli soldiers and 200 Palestinian prisoners. The truce, now in its second week, has prompted joyous scenes and led to some hope of broader stability in the region.