In a controversial move to address the ongoing Middle East conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested relocating Gaza’s population to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war and expressed the need for drastic measures to achieve peace in the region.
Trump revealed he had already discussed the proposal with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned to engage Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to explore the feasibility of the plan. “I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump said. “We’re talking about potentially a million and a half people. Over the centuries, this area has seen countless conflicts, and something needs to change.”
Displacement Amid Crisis
The war between Hamas and Israel, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to massive displacement across Gaza, home to 2.4 million people. According to Trump, the proposed relocation could be temporary or extended, depending on circumstances. “It’s literally a demolition site right now,” he stated. “Everything is destroyed, and people are dying. It’s heartbreaking, but we must find a solution.”
Trump also floated the idea of partnering with Arab nations to build new housing facilities for displaced Gazans, envisioning a future where they could “live in peace for a change.” The remarks have sparked widespread debate, as the implications of such a move evoke historical memories of forced displacements and their lasting impact.
Policy Developments and Military Aid
The proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about U.S. policy in the Middle East under Trump’s administration. A fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, brokered at the end of President Joe Biden’s term, remains in place, though tensions persist. Trump’s administration has pledged strong support for Israel, a stance highlighted by his decision to release a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs previously blocked by Biden.
“We released them today,” Trump confirmed. “Israel paid for them, and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time.”
Historical and Regional Context
This is not the first time Trump has floated transformative ideas for Gaza. During his presidential campaign in October, he suggested that the war-torn region could rival Monaco if rebuilt strategically. Meanwhile, Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, made headlines earlier by proposing that Gaza’s residents be relocated to unlock the economic potential of the territory’s waterfront.
However, for Palestinians, such suggestions rekindle painful memories of the “Nakba” or catastrophe, which saw the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s establishment 75 years ago. The prospect of relocation also raises significant geopolitical and humanitarian concerns, as it could strain relations with neighboring countries and violate international norms.
International and Regional Responses
Israel has denied having plans to forcibly relocate Gaza residents, but extreme-right factions within its government have publicly endorsed similar ideas. Meanwhile, the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have highlighted the massive destruction in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for reconstruction and aid.
Trump’s proposal, while bold, has drawn criticism for its lack of consideration for Palestinian rights and the potential destabilizing effects on Egypt and Jordan. As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the international community, especially key stakeholders in the Middle East, will respond to these controversial suggestions.
