U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed an ambitious plan to relocate over one million Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip, urging neighboring Arab nations, including Jordan and Egypt, to open their borders and provide shelter for the displaced population. Trump’s remarks came during a 20-minute Q&A session aboard Air Force One, where he addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Trump described the situation in Gaza as “a mess, a real mess” and advocated for a complete relocation of affected residents. He suggested that resettling the population would “clean out” the war-torn region, creating an opportunity for rebuilding. “Almost everything is demolished, and people are dying there. I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location where they could maybe live in peace for a change,” Trump said.
The proposal includes constructing housing for over one million Palestinians in neighboring countries, which Trump indicated could be either temporary or long-term. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that approximately 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated last October.
Trump revealed that he had discussed the resettlement plan with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, encouraging him to accept a larger number of Palestinian refugees. “I told him, ‘I’d love you to take on more,’” Trump said, referencing the phone call. He also announced plans to engage Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in a similar dialogue, given Egypt’s proximity to Gaza.
Both Jordan and Egypt, however, have previously expressed reservations about accepting a large influx of refugees due to concerns over regional stability and the long-term implications of such movements.
In addition to his resettlement proposal, Trump announced the reversal of a key policy enacted by his predecessor, which had restricted the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. The policy was intended to minimize civilian casualties during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Trump’s decision to lift the hold marks a significant shift in U.S. support for Israel amid a fragile ceasefire in the region.
The international community has been closely monitoring the crisis in Gaza, where over 1.5 million residents face dire living conditions. Human rights organizations have criticized proposals that involve large-scale displacement, arguing that they could exacerbate existing tensions in the region. Critics also warn that such plans might undermine Palestinian claims to their homeland.
Trump acknowledged the challenges but remained steadfast in his vision for a long-term solution. “Something has to happen,” he said. “It’s literally a demolition site right now.”
The proposal has sparked debate among policymakers, humanitarian groups, and analysts, with some praising the initiative for addressing the immediate needs of displaced Palestinians, while others question its feasibility and long-term impact. As Trump prepares for further discussions with regional leaders, the world watches to see whether his plan will gain traction or further complicate an already volatile situation.
Trump’s bold proposal underscores the complexity of the Gaza crisis and highlights the challenges of balancing humanitarian concerns with geopolitical realities. Whether his vision of a “fresh start” for Gaza will materialize remains uncertain, but it is clear that the conversation around Palestinian resettlement is far from over.
PIONEER NEWS 