Donald Trump plots relocation of Gaza residents to Egypt, Jordan

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, on Saturday, suggested a controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s residents to Egypt and Jordan as part of efforts to establish peace in the Middle East.

Referring to Gaza as a “demolition site” following the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump stated he had discussed the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned to consult with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

“We’re talking about probably a million and a half people. I’d like Egypt to take people, and I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump said while aboard Air Force One. He added that the move could be temporary or long-term, noting the potential for rebuilding Gaza at a different location.

The Israel-Hamas war, triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, has left much of Gaza in ruins, displacing millions of its 2.4 million inhabitants. Trump’s plan aligns with similar proposals from extreme-right Israeli politicians but risks evoking memories of the Nakba—the 1948 mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s formation.

In addition, Trump confirmed the release of long-awaited U.S. munitions for Israel, blocked by his predecessor, Joe Biden. His administration, yet to detail its full Middle East strategy, continues to pledge strong support for Israel.