ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Donald Trump expressed a desire for countries such as Jordan and Egypt, along with other Arab nations, to expand their acceptance of Palestinian refugees coming from the Gaza Strip. He suggested that relocating a significant portion of the population could essentially “clean out” the war-torn region, creating a fresh start for the area.
During a 20-minute session with journalists on Saturday while aboard Air Force One, Trump announced that he has lifted restrictions previously imposed on sending large munitions, specifically 2,000-pound bombs, to Israel. This decision alleviates a previous measure aimed at minimizing civilian casualties amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which is currently experiencing a fragile ceasefire.
“We released them today,” Trump stated regarding the bombs, adding that these munitions had been anticipated by Israel for an extended period. When asked about the reasons for lifting the ban, Trump remarked, “Because they bought them.”
Trump has consistently positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel throughout his political journey. Discussing his broader outlook on Gaza, he revealed that earlier on the same day, he had engaged in a conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan and planned to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the following day.
“I’d like Egypt to take people, and I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump indicated. He estimated that the relocation could involve around 1.5 million people, suggesting a complete overhaul of the region.
He commended Jordan for its role in accepting Palestinian refugees and conveyed to the king, “I’d love for you to take on more, because I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.”
The idea of such a massive displacement contradicts the deep-rooted Palestinian identity and attachment to Gaza. Nonetheless, Trump noted that this region has endured numerous conflicts throughout history. He mentioned that resettlement “could be temporary or long-term.”
“Something has to happen,” Trump acknowledged. “But it’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished, and people are dying there.” He further elaborated, “So, I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location, where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”
In a statement made on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Trump for “keeping your promise to give Israel the tools it needs to defend itself,” although he did not address Trump’s comments on relocating Palestinian refugees.
Conversely, Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, reaffirmed the country’s steadfast refusal to support the proposed transfer of Palestinians. During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Senator Lindsay Graham, a known Trump supporter, was queried about Trump’s comments regarding the Palestinians, to which he admitted, “You know, I really don’t know.”
Graham remarked that the notion of all Palestinians leaving for alternative destinations seemed impractical. However, he encouraged Trump to maintain dialogues with Middle Eastern leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and officials from the UAE and Egypt, stating, “What is their plan for the Palestinians? Do they want them all to leave?”
Trump has previously articulated unconventional ideas concerning Gaza’s future, suggesting that after his inauguration, a significant reconstruction of Gaza should be approached differently. He described Gaza’s location and climate as ideal for development, acknowledging it offered a variety of attractive opportunities despite its current state of conflict.
The resumption of large bomb deliveries signifies a departure from the policy of former President Joe Biden, who had halted these shipments in May to prevent Israel from conducting a full-scale offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. In June, Israel captured the city after most civilians had evacuated.
“Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers,” Biden remarked in May when he suspended the weapon deliveries. Despite this pause, around 1,700 smaller munitions had eventually reached Israel after some delays.
Trump’s recent actions coincide with the initial stage of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has momentarily stopped hostilities and facilitated the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The negotiations for the second, more complex phase of the agreement, which aims to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages and impose a lasting cessation of combat, have yet to commence meaningfully.
If the remaining hostages are not released, Israeli officials have warned of a potential resumption of military actions against Hamas, following the group’s extensive assault on Israel that began on October 7, 2023.
