• Fri, Mar 14, 2025 | Ramadan 14, 1446

Trump Calls for Jordan, Egypt to Take More Palestinian Refugees, ‘Clean Out’ Gaza

in a recent statement aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump expressed his desire for Jordan and Egypt to accept a larger number of Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip.

Trump Calls for Jordan, Egypt to Take More Palestinian Refugees, ‘Clean Out’ Gaza

In a recent statement aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump expressed his desire for Jordan and Egypt to accept a larger number of Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip. He suggested that this could involve relocating approximately 1.5 million people in an effort to “clean out” the war-torn area of Gaza. Trump’s comments reflect his long-standing pro-Israel stance and indicate a willingness to engage Arab nations in addressing the humanitarian crisis stemming from ongoing conflicts in the region.

Context of the Statement

During a 20-minute Q&A session with reporters, Trump highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, describing it as a “real mess” and a “demolition site.” He emphasized that something must be done about the conditions there, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction due to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. His remarks came amid a fragile ceasefire between these two parties.

Proposal for Resettlement

Trump’s proposal involves encouraging neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt to take on more Palestinian refugees. He mentioned having discussions with King Abdullah II of Jordan and planned to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi regarding this matter. The idea is not only to alleviate the humanitarian crisis but also to potentially create new living arrangements for Palestinians outside of Gaza.

While Trump framed this resettlement as a possible solution for peace, it has raised concerns among various stakeholders. Critics argue that such displacement contradicts Palestinian identity and their historical connection to Gaza. For instance, Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesperson for Hamas, stated that Palestinians would not leave their homeland despite enduring hardships.

Reactions from Key Figures

The response from regional leaders has been mixed. Jordan’s foreign minister firmly rejected Trump’s proposal, stating that their position on accepting more Palestinian refugees remains “firm and unwavering.” On the other hand, some Israeli politicians welcomed Trump’s comments as innovative thinking towards resolving longstanding issues related to Gaza.

Additionally, Trump’s decision to resume military shipments of large bombs to Israel—previously paused under President Biden—has further complicated the situation. This move was justified by Trump based on prior agreements made by Israel.

Conclusion

In summary, Trump’s call for Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees while suggesting a “clean out” of Gaza reflects his administration’s approach towards addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. However, this proposal faces significant opposition from both regional leaders and Palestinian representatives who view it as an infringement on their rights and identity