Trump Proposes Neighbours Take Palestinians, Sparking Global Backlash
Former US President Donald Trump has suggested neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan should take in Palestinians from Gaza, describing the region as a “demolition site.” Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing,” adding that the relocation could be temporary or long-term.
The proposal has been met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians, neighbouring nations, and international observers, with critics accusing Trump of advocating forced displacement.
Strong Opposition
Jordan and Egypt, both of which border Gaza, have rejected the notion outright. Egypt’s foreign ministry declared it would oppose any attempts to displace Palestinians, describing such efforts as a violation of their rights. Jordan’s foreign minister reaffirmed the kingdom’s “firm and unwavering” rejection of displacing Palestinians from their land.
Palestinian leaders from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority echoed their rejection. Hamas spokesperson Bassem Naim criticised Trump’s comments, saying, “Our people…will not accept any offers or solutions, even if they appear to be good intentions.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the proposal “an affront to Palestinian sovereignty.”
On the ground in Gaza, residents expressed defiance. Abu Yahya Rashid, a displaced resident in Khan Younis, declared, “This land is ours and the property of our ancestors throughout history. We will not leave it except as corpses.”
A Ceasefire Amid Ruin
Trump’s comments come as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas temporarily halts the devastating conflict that began in October 2023. The war has left over 47,200 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, with much of the region’s infrastructure reduced to rubble. The UN estimates that 60% of Gaza’s structures are damaged or destroyed, leaving most of its two million residents displaced.
Historical and Political Context
Trump’s remarks reflect a recurring theme among some Israeli far-right figures who have called for Palestinians to emigrate to neighbouring countries to enable the expansion of Jewish settlements. Israeli politicians such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have previously endorsed similar ideas, stoking outrage among Palestinians and proponents of a two-state solution.
Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has also rejected the concept of a Palestinian state, arguing that “the Palestinians had their chance in Gaza.” Huckabee’s stance directly contradicts decades of US policy supporting a two-state solution.
Arms and Reconstruction
In separate comments, Trump announced the resumption of 2,000-pound bomb shipments to Israel, which had been delayed under President Joe Biden. Critics argue that US-supplied arms have contributed to the extensive destruction in Gaza, with renewed calls for Washington to reconsider its support.
While displaced Gazans face an uncertain future, many continue to resist calls for relocation, insisting on their right to remain in their homeland despite the destruction.
Trump’s comments are likely to fuel further debate over the US’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the moral and political implications of policies perceived to undermine Palestinian sovereignty.
