Middle East Leaders Respond After Trump Suggests Moving Gaza Residents to Egypt, Jordan

President Donald Trump advocated relocating Gaza’s population to Egypt or Jordan, a proposal that Arab leaders strongly oppose, as part of his plan to “clean out” the Gaza Strip.

Key Facts:

  • Trump said he hopes Jordan and Egypt will take in Gaza’s residents “temporarily or could be long term.”
  • Jordan’s foreign minister quickly rejected the idea of relocating Palestinians outside Gaza.
  • Trump lifted a hold on 2,000-pound bombs for Israel and ended certain sanctions on Israeli settler groups.
  • Israel has blocked Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza as part of a cease-fire dispute.
  • More than two million people live in Gaza, which has been devastated by a 15-month-long conflict that began on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Rest of The Story:

Trump’s suggestion emerged after conversations with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

He also intends to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi about placing Gaza’s population outside the enclave.

Jordan’s government immediately denied any possibility of absorbing more Palestinian refugees, citing stability concerns.

Egyptian leaders have also refused to open their territory for mass resettlement.

Many Palestinians fear they would be permanently displaced and never allowed to return home.

Under the new administration, U.S.-Israel policies changed significantly from those of President Joe Biden.

One of Trump’s early moves was to release bombs that had been withheld over concerns about civilian harm in Gaza.

He also lifted sanctions on certain Israeli settler entities.

While the Israeli government has pledged to let displaced Palestinians return to Gaza once fighting ends, some far-right Israeli figures suggest permanently moving them to other countries.

This conflict has already killed tens of thousands of Gazans, including civilians and combatants, and destroyed large parts of the territory.

Despite a short-lived cease-fire, Palestinians say Israel continues to block them from returning to areas of the north.

Meanwhile, Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, condemns any plan to displace Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank also objects, insisting on the right for people to remain in their lands.

Commentary:

Although it appears severe, relocating Gazans might be the only path if they reject peaceful resolutions.

Decades of conflict show that repeated attempts at negotiation have stalled.

If Hamas continues to use civilian areas for warfare and local residents refuse to seek a viable compromise, moving the population to a safe location may become unavoidable.

At some point, difficult decisions are needed to protect lives on both sides.

The Bottom Line:

Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population adds a new dimension to an already complex conflict.

Jordan and Egypt have firmly refused, reflecting their fears of permanent upheaval and long-standing opposition to mass displacement.

The fighting in Gaza remains severe, and the prospect of any large-scale resettlement is uncertain at best.

Ultimately, the question of where Gazans will live—and under which authority—continues to be at the center of regional tensions.

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