Trump Suggests Egypt, Jordan Absorb Palestinians From Gaza
Donald Trump stated in a press briefing that he believes Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II might agree to relocate some Palestinians from Gaza to their countries.
Trump added, “I would like people to live in an area where they can do so without disturbances, revolts, or violence. You know, when you look at Gaza, it has been a hellhole for many years. It seems like there have been many civilizations in this area over time.”
He continued, “This didn’t start here but thousands of years ago, and it has always been associated with violence. So, I think people could live in much safer areas, possibly better and more comfortable ones.”
Two-State Solution
When asked about the “two-state solution” and whether he still supports a Palestinian state alongside Israel, Trump replied, “I will speak with the Israeli government, with Benjamin Netanyahu, who will be coming here very soon (to Washington) to negotiate with me.”
Trump also said he had spoken to the Egyptian president, “He told me he wants to see peace in the Middle East.”
Regarding El-Sisi’s position on accepting Gaza residents in Egypt, Trump said, “I wish he would do that. I hope he accepts some of them. We’ve given them a lot of aid, and I’m sure he will help us too. He’s a friend of mine. He’s in a very tough part of the world, and honestly, it’s a rough neighborhood, as they say. But I think he will do it, and I think King Abdullah will too.”
Earlier, media reports citing three Israeli and American sources indicated that Netanyahu plans to travel to the United States next week to meet with Trump at the White House.
Egypt and Jordan Reject Palestinian Relocation
Both Egypt and Jordan have previously emphasized their rejection of any attempts to relocate Palestinians outside their homeland, whether temporarily or permanently.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry reiterated in a statement its “commitment to the principles and parameters of a political settlement for the Palestinian issue and its rejection of any infringement on Palestinian rights, whether through settlement, land annexation, or relocation.”
The ministry stressed that the Palestinian issue “remains the central issue in the Middle East, and the delay in resolving it, ending the occupation, and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people is the root cause of instability in the region.”
Egypt also reaffirmed its continued support for the resilience of the Palestinian people, their legitimate rights to their land and nation, and adherence to international law and humanitarian law principles.
Similarly, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated the kingdom’s rejection of any discussion about relocating Palestinians. Speaking before the Jordanian parliament on Monday, he said, “All talk of an alternative homeland for Palestinians is unacceptable, and we will continue to oppose it.”
He added, “Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians. The solution to the Palestinian issue lies on Palestinian soil.”
In the same vein, Palestinians unanimously rejected Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza residents to Jordan and Egypt, refusing even to discuss it.
Officials from the Palestinian Authority and various factions stated that the U.S. proposal is not only unacceptable but will be resisted by the Palestinian people, as they have resisted all previous attempts at displacement and expulsion.
