Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again proposed the permanent removal of Palestinians from Gaza, stating that they have “no alternative” but to leave the war-torn enclave.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump reiterated his stance that Palestinians should be resettled elsewhere, suggesting that other countries beyond Jordan and Egypt could take them in. This marks at least the fifth time he has floated the idea since initially raising it on January 25.
“I feel very differently about Gaza than a lot of people. I think they should get a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land, and we get some people to put up the money to build it and make it nice and make it habitable and enjoyable,” Trump told reporters.
Arab nations, including Jordan and Egypt, along with Palestinian leaders, have firmly rejected the proposal, calling it an attempt at ethnic cleansing. Palestinians have long feared being permanently displaced from their homeland, a concern that has only intensified amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza.
“I don’t know how they (Palestinians) could want to stay,” Trump added, insisting that many would not want to return to Gaza given the current devastation.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has led to the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The war has also displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with food shortages reaching critical levels.
While a fragile ceasefire is currently in place, the conflict remains unresolved, and Trump’s remarks have added to the growing tensions surrounding the future of Gaza and its people.