A new diplomatic controversy has emerged as former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. This suggestion has sparked immediate backlash from regional leaders and Palestinian representatives, raising concerns over potential violations of international law.
Trump’s Proposal: A Radical Solution?
Trump described Gaza as a "demolition site" and suggested that Egypt and Jordan could host displaced Palestinians.
He claimed to have discussed the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and intended to engage Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The plan includes resettlement projects for Palestinians outside Gaza, ensuring, in Trump’s words, "a peaceful living environment."
Additionally, Trump approved the supply of advanced U.S. weaponry to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs that had been withheld under the Biden administration.
Strong Reactions from Regional and Global Actors
Egypt and Jordan outright rejected the plan, warning of regional instability.
Palestinian authorities condemned the proposal as an attack on their right to self-determination:
The Palestinian Authority called it a violation of their "red lines."
Hamas declared that Palestinians would not leave Gaza under any circumstances.
Islamic Jihad denounced the proposal as an encouragement of war crimes.
Israeli hardliners, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, welcomed Trump’s proposal, viewing it as aligning with their vision of reducing the Palestinian presence in Gaza.
Human rights organizations criticized the plan as a form of ethnic cleansing, arguing that forced displacement violates international law.
Broader Implications
Experts warn that forced population transfers could destabilize the Middle East, reigniting conflicts beyond Gaza.
The proposal echoes historical events like the 1948 Nakba, where mass Palestinian displacement reshaped the region.
Analysts speculate that Trump may be aiming for a partial depopulation of Gaza rather than full relocation, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Looking Ahead
As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community closely watches how this proposal will influence ongoing conflicts and future negotiations. Will Trump’s controversial plan fade away, or could it gain traction among right-wing policymakers?
Sources:
ABC News, New York Times, France24, AXIOS, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Haaretz, Affari Italiani, Adnkronos, ANSA, Il Sole 24 Ore, Huffington Post, Open.
Share this post