United States President Donald Trump has floated a controversial plan to relocate the residents of Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan as part of an effort to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” following the devastation caused by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023.
The president revealed he had discussed the issue with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned to raise it with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. “I’d like Egypt to take people, and I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump said. “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing. Over the centuries, it’s had many conflicts. Something has to happen.”
Trump suggested that the relocation of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents could be temporary or permanent, pointing to the widespread destruction and displacement caused by the war. “It’s literally a demolition site right now, almost everything is demolished, and people are dying there,” he remarked. “I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”
The proposal has drawn parallels to the 1948 “Nakba,” or catastrophe, which saw the mass displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel 75 years ago. Palestinians have long resisted forced relocation, viewing it as a continuation of historical injustices.
Trump’s comments come as a fragile truce and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas continues into its second week. Although the agreement was signed during the final days of former President Joe Biden’s administration, Trump has claimed credit for the breakthrough.
In addition to his relocation proposal, Trump confirmed on Saturday that he had authorized the release of a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs for Israel, which had been delayed under Biden. “We released them. They paid for them, and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time,” Trump said.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, with reconstruction estimated by the United Nations to take years. Despite the destruction, Trump reiterated his belief in Gaza’s potential, recalling a statement he made during his presidential campaign in October 2024. “If rebuilt the right way, Gaza could be better than Monaco,” he had said.
The proposal to relocate Gaza’s population has drawn mixed reactions globally. While some hardline members of the Israeli government have expressed support for the idea, Israel has officially denied having plans to forcibly move Gazans. Palestinian leaders and human rights advocates, however, have condemned any attempt at mass displacement as a violation of international law and a repeat of historical tragedies.
