On 25th January (local time), US President Donald Trump proposed a large-scale relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring Arab countries like Jordan and Egypt. The statement from the US President came during a press briefing aboard Air Force One. In his remarks, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site,” saying that he is looking to “clean out that whole thing.” His suggestion aligns with his broader pro-Israel stance.
Relocation for a ‘clean slate’ in Gaza
Trump expressed a desire to see Arab nations increase their acceptance of refugees from Palestine. He framed the displacement as a potential step towards peace in the region. He said, “I’d like Egypt to take people. You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over.’”
He stated that he had discussed the idea with the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, and planned to raise it with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Trump praised Jordan’s earlier efforts to host Palestinian refugees and remarked, “I’d love for you to take on more, ’cause I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.”
Trump noted that the relocation could be temporary or permanent and said, “Something has to happen. But it’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished, and people are dying there.” He added, “So, I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations, and build housing in a different location, where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”
Resuming bomb shipments to Israel
Trump also announced that he would lift the ban imposed by the Biden administration on the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. He said, “We released them today,” and added, “They’ve been waiting for them for a long time.” When questioned about the reversal, he said simply, “Because they bought them.”
The weapons, including MK-84 bombs, were previously held up amidst concerns over their use in populated areas like Rafah, a southern city in Gaza. The Biden administration’s concerns over civilian casualties had led to the suspension in May 2023.
Hostages and the fragile ceasefire
Trump celebrated the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has facilitated the release of hostages. He said, “The ceasefire is a step forward, but if the hostages aren’t released, we know Israel will act again.”
So far, there has been no official statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Trump’s statements, the resumption of bomb deliveries, and the proposal for population resettlement.
