Trump Floats Plan For Gaza, Wants Egypt to Accept Refugees

Trump Floats Plan For Gaza, Wants Egypt to Accept Refugees

Onboard Air Force One — President Trump’s Vision for Palestinian Refugees

While aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump expressed his desire for Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations to increase their acceptance of Palestinian refugees fleeing the Gaza Strip. He suggested that relocating a significant portion of the population could effectively “clean out” the war-torn region, creating a fresh start.

In a 20-minute session with reporters on Saturday, Trump also announced that he had lifted the restrictions imposed by the previous administration on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. This decision could influence the dynamics of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is currently experiencing a fragile ceasefire.

“We released them today,” Trump stated regarding the bombs. “They’ve been waiting for them for a long time.” When asked about his rationale for lifting the ban, he simply replied, “Because they bought them.”

Trump has consistently positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel. Regarding his broader plans for Gaza, he mentioned having a conversation earlier that day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and his intention to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the following day.

“I’d like Egypt to take people, and I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump remarked. “We’re talking about potentially a million and a half individuals; we could just clear out the entire area.”

He commended Jordan for its previous efforts in accepting Palestinian refugees, expressing his hope that the country would consider taking in even more. “I’m looking at the Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a disaster. A real disaster,” he said.

Such a significant displacement raises concerns about Palestinian identity and their deep-rooted connections to Gaza. Nevertheless, Trump noted that the region has endured numerous conflicts throughout history, suggesting that resettlement “could be temporary or long-term.”

“Something has to change,” Trump declared. “It’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything is in ruins, and people are suffering.” He added, “I’d prefer to engage with some Arab nations to construct housing in a different location, allowing them to perhaps live in peace for a change.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Sunday, expressed gratitude to Trump for fulfilling his commitment to provide Israel with the necessary resources for its defense. However, he did not address Trump’s suggestions regarding Palestinian refugees.

Conversely, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed his country’s steadfast rejection of the proposed relocation of Palestinians, stating it was “firm and unwavering.”

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, was questioned on CNN’s “State of the Union” about the implications of Trump’s remarks concerning Palestinians. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure what he meant,” Graham admitted, emphasizing the impracticality of relocating all Palestinians.

“The idea that all the Palestinians are going to leave and go elsewhere doesn’t seem very practical,” Graham stated. Nonetheless, he encouraged Trump to continue dialogues with Middle Eastern leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and officials from the UAE and Egypt.

“I’m not sure about his comments. But reaching out to MBS, the UAE, and Egypt is crucial. What are their plans for the Palestinians? Do they envision them all leaving?” Graham questioned.

Trump has previously shared unconventional ideas regarding Gaza’s future. Upon his inauguration, he remarked that Gaza “needs to be rebuilt differently.”

He added, “Gaza is fascinating. Its location by the sea, paired with great weather, presents opportunities for beauty, but it’s incredibly complex.”

The resumption of bomb deliveries marks a departure from former President Joe Biden’s policy, which had halted these shipments in May to prevent an extensive Israeli offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah. A month later, Israel did seize control of the city, but by that time, most civilians had evacuated.

“Civilians have suffered in Gaza due to those bombs and the methods used to target population centers,” Biden remarked in May while imposing the hold on the weapons. “I made it clear that if they advanced into Rafah, I wouldn’t supply the weapons typically used there.”

Biden’s restrictions also delayed the delivery of 1,700 500-pound bombs that were part of the same shipment, although those were eventually sent to Israel.

Trump’s recent actions coincide with the initial phase of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has temporarily halted hostilities and facilitated the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Serious negotiations for the more challenging second phase of the agreement, aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and ensuring a lasting peace, have yet to commence.

Should the remaining hostages not be freed, the Israeli government has warned it may resume its military operations against Hamas, which initiated a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

—Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.