US President Donald Trump has proposed relocating residents of Gaza to Egypt and Jordan as part of a broader vision for Middle East peace. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” following the Israel-Hamas conflict and suggested a population transfer involving around 1.5 million people.
Trump stated in an AFP report he had discussed the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and planned to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He characterized the potential relocation as a way to create “peace for a change,” suggesting it could be either temporary or long-term.
The war has displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, and Trump noted the extensive destruction in the region. He proposed collaboration with Arab nations to build new housing in alternate locations.
Trump also confirmed authorizing the release of previously blocked US-made bombs purchased by Israel, emphasizing his administration’s continued “unwavering support” for the country. The announcement follows a fragile truce and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, which Trump has claimed credit for despite being finalized during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
While Trump’s comments echo past controversial proposals by his administration, such ideas raise significant concerns for Palestinians, who associate displacement with the historical “Nakba” of 1948. Israeli officials have denied any plans to forcibly remove Gaza’s population, though some far-right figures in Israel’s government have expressed support for mass relocation.
