WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump revealed Saturday a proposal to relocate over 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries. The plan involves working with Jordan and Egypt to build housing for displaced Palestinians.
During a call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Trump encouraged Jordan to accept more Palestinian refugees. “I told him Gaza is a real mess and asked him to take on more people,” Trump said.
Jordan’s state news agency confirmed the call but omitted references to relocating Palestinians. Jordan already hosts 2.39 million Palestinian refugees, according to the UN.
Egypt Also Invited to Participate
Trump mentioned discussing the plan with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Egypt borders Gaza and would play a key role. Trump suggested building temporary or long-term housing for refugees in Arab countries.
“It’s almost a demolition site in Gaza,” Trump stated. “We must do something to provide peace for those affected.”
Strong Reactions from Egypt and Jordan
Egypt firmly rejected forced displacement in a statement issued Sunday by its Foreign Ministry. It warned that such actions could escalate regional tensions.
“Displacement risks further instability and diminishes chances for peace,” the statement emphasized, reaffirming Egypt’s opposition to forced evictions of Palestinians.
Similarly, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated the country’s opposition to relocation. “Our position is steadfast: Palestine is for Palestinians,” Safadi stated on Sunday.
Safadi reaffirmed Jordan’s support for a two-state solution as the pathway to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Focus on Peace Despite Controversy
Trump framed the proposal as a humanitarian effort amid Gaza’s destruction and centuries-long conflicts. The former developer suggested relocating Palestinians would foster peace in the region.
However, both Jordan and Egypt stressed maintaining Palestinians on their land. They called for international backing to achieve a two-state solution instead of displacement.
Observers see Trump’s idea as unconventional and controversial, raising concerns about its practicality and ethical implications in an already fragile region.
