US President Donald Trump has proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, describing the war-torn territory as a “demolition site” following the recent invasion of the area by Israeli military. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump suggested that removing Gaza’s population could pave the way for peace in the region.
“I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump said, adding, “You’re talking about probably a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing. You know, over the centuries it’s had many, many conflicts that site. And I don’t know, something has to happen.”
He acknowledged discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The proposal involves moving approximately 1.5 million people, with Trump indicating the relocation could be temporary or permanent. “So I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change,” he added.
Gaza, home to 2.4 million people, has been devastated by the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Trump called the region “almost completely demolished” and compared it to a demolition site.
While Israel has denied plans to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population, right-wing members of its government have previously supported the idea. Trump’s suggestion has drawn comparisons to the 1948 “Nakba,” or catastrophe, which saw the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation.
Trump confirmed that he had lifted a block imposed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, on a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. “We released them today,” he said, emphasising his administration’s “unwavering support” for Israel.
Earlier, Trump claimed that Gaza could be rebuilt “better than Monaco” if managed properly, while his son-in-law Jared Kushner had proposed clearing civilians from Gaza to unlock its “waterfront property.”
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with much of its infrastructure destroyed by Israel and reconstruction is expected to take years.
