Trump Says No Right of Return for Palestinians in Gaza Under His Plan

Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan Raises Eyebrows

President Donald Trump recently stated that under his proposal, Palestinians living in Gaza would not have the right to return, a claim that contradicts statements made by other officials in his administration who suggested he was merely advocating for a temporary relocation of the population.

In an interview with FOX News’ Bret Baier, which aired on Monday, Trump was asked about the return of Palestinians to Gaza. He firmly replied, “No, they wouldn’t,” just days after suggesting that the U.S. should take control of Gaza and transform it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” This statement comes as he intensifies pressure on neighboring Arab nations, particularly allies Jordan and Egypt, to accommodate Palestinians from Gaza, who view the area as their future homeland.

“We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is,” Trump explained. “In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”

The proposal has faced significant backlash from Arab nations, and Trump’s remarks were made public just before he is scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House. Both Egypt and Jordan have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the long-standing goal of a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, as well as security issues related to accepting large numbers of refugees, even temporarily.

Trump’s statements could further complicate the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has endured for 15 months, especially as current negotiations emphasize the need for substantial humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Following Trump’s initial comments, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the intention was to temporarily relocate Palestinians from Gaza for an “interim” phase, allowing for clean-up, disposal of unexploded munitions, and reconstruction.

Last week, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to help secure the region but emphasized that no American funds would be allocated for Gaza’s reconstruction, thereby raising crucial questions about the viability of his plan.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty remarked that there is a “consensus among Arab nations” opposing the transfer of Palestinians, as Trump continues to advocate for their relocation from Gaza.

Abdelatty highlighted the need for a political solution to the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, according to a statement from the Egyptian foreign ministry.

A senior official from Hamas condemned Trump’s recent comments about U.S. ownership of Gaza, labeling them as “absurd.”

Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, stated that these remarks demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of the Palestinian situation and the broader region.

In a statement released by Hamas on Monday, he asserted that Trump’s approach to the Palestinian issue is bound to fail. “Treating the Palestinian cause like a real estate transaction is a surefire path to disaster,” he declared. “Our Palestinian people will resist all attempts at transfer and deportation.”