Trump’s Gaza Proposal Sparks Controversy
President Donald Trump has recently ignited debate with his assertion that Palestinians in Gaza would not have the right to return under his proposed plan. This statement stands in stark contrast to previous comments from some of his administration officials, who suggested that he was merely advocating for a temporary relocation of the population.
During a recent interview with FOX News’ Bret Baier that aired on Monday, Trump was asked directly about the potential for Palestinians to return to Gaza. He emphatically stated, “No, they wouldn’t,” mere days after proposing that the U.S. take charge of Gaza and develop it into what he termed “the Riviera of the Middle East.” This declaration comes as he intensifies efforts to persuade neighboring Arab nations, particularly Jordan and Egypt, to host Palestinians from Gaza, who view this territory as their prospective homeland.
“We’ll create safe communities a bit removed from the areas of danger,” Trump elaborated. “In the meantime, I would own this. Consider it a real estate development for the future. It would be a stunning piece of land. No significant funds needed.”
This proposal has sparked considerable opposition from Arab nations. Trump’s comments came just ahead of a scheduled meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House. Both Egypt and Jordan have expressed reservations regarding the implications for the long-standing aspiration of a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, along with security concerns about accepting large numbers of refugees, even on a temporary basis.
Trump’s remarks could further jeopardize the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has been in effect for 15 months. Current discussions are focused on the urgent need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Following Trump’s initial statements, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the plan was intended to facilitate a temporary relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. This would allow for cleanup, the disposal of unexploded ordnance, and necessary reconstruction.
Last week, Trump did not rule out the deployment of U.S. troops to help secure the area. However, he stressed that no American funds would be allocated for the reconstruction of Gaza, raising critical questions about the feasibility of his proposal.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty noted that there is a “consensus among Arab nations” against the relocation of Palestinians, as Trump continues to promote their transfer from Gaza.
Abdelatty emphasized the importance of a political resolution to the Palestinian issue, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, according to a statement from the Egyptian foreign ministry.
A senior Hamas official condemned Trump’s recent comments regarding U.S. ownership of Gaza, calling them “absurd.”
Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, argued that these remarks reflect a profound misunderstanding of the Palestinian situation and the wider region.
In a statement issued by Hamas on Monday, he declared that Trump’s approach to the Palestinian issue is bound to fail. “Treating the Palestinian cause as a real estate transaction is a sure path to disaster,” he insisted. “Our Palestinian people will resist all attempts at transfer and deportation.”
