Trump proposes relocating Palestinians outside Gaza, suggesting Egypt and Jordan

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan.

Speaking to reporters before departing Los Angeles for Miami, Trump revealed he had discussed the idea with King Abdullah II of Jordan during a recent phone call. He also mentioned plans to raise the matter with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday.

“I said to him (Jordan’s king) that I’d love you to take on more because I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess, it’s a real mess,” Trump said. “I’d like him (Jordan’s king) to take people. I’d like Egypt to take people,” he continued, suggesting the two countries could host displaced Palestinians.

‘Clean out that whole thing’

Trump described Gaza as “a demolition site” and proposed a relocation effort involving approximately 1.5 million people.

“You’re talking about a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing,” he said. “Over the centuries, it’s had many, many conflicts. And I don’t know, something has to happen.”

He emphasized the role Arab nations could play in accommodating Palestinians, proposing the construction of housing in new locations. “Almost everything is demolished, and people are dying there,” Trump remarked. “I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”

Trump added that such a relocation effort could be “temporary or could be long-term.”

Contrasts with Biden Administration

Trump’s proposal sharply contrasts with the Biden administration’s approach, which opposed the relocation of Gaza residents outside the enclave.

Instead, Biden officials supported the eventual return of displaced Palestinians to their homes following a potential peace agreement as part of a two-state solution.

Trump recently voiced skepticism about the durability of the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire deal, emphasizing that the conflict was “not our war.”

During a signing ceremony at the Oval Office on his inauguration day, Trump addressed questions about the agreement, stating, “I’m not confident. It’s not our war. It’s their war. I think they are very weakened on the other side.”

Referring to the destruction in Gaza, Trump described the area as a “massive demolition site,” adding that it required significant rebuilding. “Gaza is interesting. It’s a phenomenal location on the sea, the best weather, you know, everything’s good. It’s like some beautiful things could be done with it, but it’s very interesting,” he said.

Impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza

Trump’s comments come amid ongoing Israel’s actions in Gaza, described by observers as devastating and genocidal.

Reports indicate Israeli airstrikes since October 7, 2023, have killed over 47,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.

More than 111,000 people have been injured in the conflict.