President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Trump mentioned that he had already approached Jordan's King Abdullah and intended to make the same request to Egypt's president. Referring to Gaza as a "demolition site," he stated, "You're talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing," proposing that the relocation "could be temporary" or "could be long-term."
While this proposal faced opposition from Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, and Egypt, a ceasefire is currently in place in Gaza following an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict that began on October 7, 2023. The war resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, with the majority of Gaza's residents displaced. The United Nations has estimated that around 60% of structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, necessitating potentially decades for reconstruction.
Trump made these remarks during a press conference aboard Air Force One, emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza and the need for alternative housing solutions. Despite the lack of detailed plans, both Egypt and Jordan rebuffed any attempts to displace Palestinians forcibly. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders and residents strongly opposed the idea of relocation, reaffirming their commitment to their land and historical heritage.
Additionally, Trump's comments hint at a shift towards more extreme policies in the Middle East, raising concerns among Palestinians and supporters of a two-state solution. The notion of relocating Gazans has been advocated by certain right-wing Israeli politicians, signaling contentious views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the prospects for a peaceful resolution. The longstanding US position against the forced displacement of Palestinians has been at odds with recent statements from Trump's nominee for US ambassador to Israel, indicating a departure from traditional American policy in the region.
Lastly, the situation in Gaza has prompted calls for a reassessment of US arms sales to Israel, given the devastating impact of US weaponry during the conflict. Amidst the humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinian refugees, including those in Jordan and Egypt, the enduring hope for a return to their homeland remains a poignant aspect of their plight.