Emmanuel OchayiPresident Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his recent remarks about relocating Palestinians from Gaza, proposing what he described as a “clean out” of the population from the war-torn territory.
Speaking aboard his plane, Trump discussed his vision of moving over one million displaced Gazans to neighbouring countries, including Jordan and Egypt.
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“I spoke to King Abdullah II of Jordan, and I said to him, ‘I’d love for you to take on more people,’” Trump stated. “The whole Gaza Strip is a real mess right now. It’s like a demolition site. People are dying, and something needs to be done.”
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Trump explained that the plan would involve collaboration with Arab nations to provide housing for displaced Gazans. “We could build temporary or even long-term housing for them in different locations where they could live peacefully. I think this is a solution that could work,” he added.
Trump’s Remarks Break with U.S. Policy
Trump’s proposal challenges decades of U.S. foreign policy, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. His comments also coincide with ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have left much of the region in ruins.
The United Nations reports that over 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many residents forced to move multiple times. Trump addressed this situation, saying, “You’re talking about a million and a half people. We just clean out that whole area and start fresh. It’s been conflict after conflict for centuries.”
Regional Leaders Push Back
Trump’s proposal has drawn criticism from regional leaders. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who Trump said he plans to speak with, previously opposed similar ideas. “Displacing Palestinians into Egypt or any other neighbouring country is unacceptable,” el-Sisi remarked during a press conference in 2023.
King Abdullah of Jordan, who described the influx of more Palestinian refugees as a “red line,” has yet to publicly respond to Trump’s comments. Jordan already hosts over 2.39 million registered Palestinian refugees, according to the United Nations.
Palestinian Officials React
Palestinian leaders strongly opposed Trump’s remarks. Bassem Naim, a senior official with Hamas, said, “Palestinians will not accept any proposals or solutions from Trump that involve leaving their homeland. These ideas are attempts to erase our history.”
Independent Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti also condemned Trump’s comments, stating, “What the occupation couldn’t achieve through bombings and genocide, it won’t achieve through political pressure. The conspiracy of ethnic cleansing will fail.”
Support from Israeli Officials
Some Israeli officials, however, voiced support for Trump’s vision. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the proposal, saying, “Helping Gazans find new places to start better lives is a great idea.” Trump also lifted a Biden-era hold on the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, signalling continued military support.
Trump on Gaza’s Potential
Despite his controversial proposal, Trump expressed optimism about Gaza’s potential for redevelopment. “Gaza has a phenomenal location on the sea and some of the best weather in the world. It could become something amazing if we handle it right,” he said.
His remarks echoed earlier comments from Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, who referred to Gaza’s waterfront as “very valuable property” and suggested moving Palestinians to allow for redevelopment.
Trump’s statements have reignited debates over the future of Gaza and its people, drawing both criticism and support. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, his proposal raises critical questions about the ethical and political implications of relocating an entire population.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
