Onboard Air Force One — President Trump’s Proposal for Palestinian Refugees
While on Air Force One, President Donald Trump shared his perspective on the ongoing refugee crisis stemming from the Gaza Strip. He urged nations like Jordan and Egypt, as well as other Arab countries, to enhance their efforts in accepting Palestinian refugees. Trump believes that relocating a substantial number of individuals from the region could serve to “clean out” the war-torn area and provide a pathway for a new beginning.
During a 20-minute briefing with reporters on Saturday, Trump also revealed that he had lifted the restrictions placed by the prior administration on the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. This move could significantly impact the dynamics of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which is currently under a fragile ceasefire.
“We released them today,” Trump said about the bombs. “They’ve been waiting for them for a long time.” When asked to explain his reasoning behind this decision, he simply stated, “Because they bought them.”
Trump has always portrayed himself as a strong ally of Israel. He mentioned having a discussion earlier that day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and expressed his intention to connect with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the following day.
“I would like Egypt to take in people, and I’d like Jordan to do the same,” Trump remarked. “We’re discussing the possibility of relocating up to a million and a half individuals; we could essentially clear out the entire area.”
He praised Jordan for its past efforts in accommodating Palestinian refugees, expressing hope that the nation would consider accepting even more. “I’m looking at the Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a disaster. A real disaster,” he stated.
Such a large-scale displacement raises important questions regarding Palestinian identity and their longstanding ties to Gaza. Nonetheless, Trump remarked that the region has faced numerous conflicts over the years, suggesting that resettlement could be either temporary or long-term.
“Something has to change,” Trump asserted. “It’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything is in ruins, and people are suffering.” He continued, “I would prefer to collaborate with some Arab nations to build housing in a different location, allowing them to potentially live in peace for a change.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his appreciation to Trump for following through on his commitment to provide Israel with essential defense resources. However, he did not address Trump’s comments about Palestinian refugees.
On the contrary, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated his country’s strong opposition to the proposed relocation of Palestinians, labeling it as “firm and unwavering.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close supporter of Trump, was questioned on CNN’s “State of the Union” about the implications of Trump’s statements regarding Palestinians. “Honestly, I’m not really sure what he meant,” Graham confessed, highlighting the challenges associated with relocating all Palestinians.
“The notion that all Palestinians will leave and settle elsewhere doesn’t seem very practical,” Graham stated. Nevertheless, he encouraged Trump to engage in dialogue with Middle Eastern leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and officials from the UAE and Egypt.
“I’m not certain about his comments. However, reaching out to MBS, the UAE, and Egypt is critical. What are their plans for the Palestinians? Do they foresee all of them leaving?” Graham inquired.
Trump has previously shared unconventional ideas for Gaza’s future, stating upon his inauguration that Gaza “needs to be rebuilt differently.”
He added, “Gaza is fascinating. Its coastal location, combined with the pleasant climate, offers opportunities for beauty, yet it’s incredibly complex.”
The recent resumption of bomb deliveries signifies a shift from former President Joe Biden’s policy, which had halted these shipments in May to prevent a large-scale Israeli offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah. A month later, Israel did take control of the city, but by that time, most civilians had already fled.
“Civilians have suffered in Gaza due to those bombs and the methods employed to target population centers,” Biden noted in May while imposing the hold on the weapons. “I made it clear that if they advanced into Rafah, I wouldn’t supply the weapons typically used there.”
Biden’s restrictions also postponed the delivery of 1,700 500-pound bombs that were part of the same shipment, although those were eventually sent to Israel.
Trump’s recent actions coincide with the initial phase of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has temporarily halted hostilities and allowed for the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Serious discussions regarding the more challenging second phase of the agreement, aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and establishing lasting peace, have yet to begin.
If the remaining hostages are not freed, the Israeli government has cautioned that it may resume military operations against Hamas, which launched a major attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
—Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo.
