U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Jordan and Egypt should accept Palestinians displaced from Gaza due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The proposal has been met with rejection from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, and apparent rebuffs from both Jordan and Egypt.
When asked whether this was a temporary or permanent solution for Gaza—where Israel’s military assault has caused a humanitarian crisis and killed tens of thousands—Trump responded, “Could be either.”
Regional Opposition
Jordan, already home to millions of Palestinians, and Egypt, which hosts tens of thousands more, have firmly rejected the idea. Both nations and other Arab states consider Gaza an integral part of any future Palestinian state, making relocation untenable.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed the country’s unwavering stance against the displacement of Palestinians. Similarly, Egypt’s foreign ministry stated its categorical opposition to the idea, rejecting both short- and long-term displacement from Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned the suggestion, emphasizing that Palestinians will remain steadfast in their homeland. “Our people will not leave their soil,” a statement from Abbas declared.
Reactions from Hamas and Palestinian Leaders
Hamas officials voiced their strong opposition to the proposal. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, dismissed Trump’s offer as insincere and warned against any plan that might permanently displace Palestinians. Sami Abu Zuhri, another Hamas official, criticized the idea as a repetition of failed policies.
“The people of Gaza have endured immense suffering and will not leave their homeland under any circumstances,” Abu Zuhri stated.
Palestinian analyst Ghassan al-Khatib described Trump’s idea as unrealistic, adding, “Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Jordanians and Egyptians, would oppose such a plan.”
Humanitarian Concerns
Gaza, home to 2.3 million residents before the conflict, has faced catastrophic destruction, with nearly the entire population displaced and suffering from a hunger crisis. Washington had previously opposed the forcible displacement of Palestinians but now faces criticism for supporting Israel while maintaining its humanitarian obligations.
Trump defended his proposal, describing Gaza as “a demolition site” and suggesting that Arab nations could offer displaced Palestinians a chance to “build new and better lives elsewhere.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich endorsed the plan, calling it “an excellent idea” and promising to work on its implementation.
However, the international community has strongly criticized the proposal. Francesca Albanese, U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, described it as “ethnic cleansing,” emphasizing its illegality and immorality.
Broader Implications
The Gaza conflict began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas attack on Israel killed approximately 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has killed over 47,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. While a ceasefire is currently in place, the region remains volatile.
Trump’s proposal has intensified tensions, with Palestinians rejecting any displacement from their land. As Magdy Seidam, a displaced resident of Gaza, stated: “This land is ours. No matter how much destruction Israel brings, we will not leave.”
The situation underscores the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict while avoiding actions that could exacerbate regional instability and displacement.
