Palestinians have strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate residents of the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan. The suggestion, described by Trump as a plan to “clean out” Gaza, has been met with outrage, with many labeling it as an attempt at ethnic cleansing.
Palestinian Authority Rejects Displacement Plan
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has firmly opposed the proposal, calling it a direct violation of their “red lines.” In a statement, the PA declared, “The Palestinian people will never abandon their land or holy sites. We reject any repetition of the catastrophes of 1948 and 1967.” The authority urged President Trump to focus on sustaining the Gaza ceasefire, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and supporting the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Gaza Residents Vow to Stay
Residents of Gaza have expressed their defiance, rejecting any notion of displacement. “The idea of us leaving our country is absolutely impossible,” said Nafiz Halawa, a resident of Nuseirat in central Gaza. Another resident, Elham al-Shabli, insisted, “The genocidal war will achieve nothing. We will remain here despite everything.”
Palestinian Groups Condemn Trump’s Comments
Hamas, which governs Gaza, condemned the U.S. administration, accusing it of aligning with Israeli interests. “The Palestinian people have endured decades of genocide and displacement. This proposal is unacceptable,” the group stated. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) described Trump’s remarks as an encouragement of “war crimes.”
Regional Leaders and U.S. Allies Respond
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated Amman’s firm stance against Palestinian displacement, stating, “Our rejection of this idea is fixed and unchangeable.” Within the U.S., Republican Senator Lindsey Graham voiced doubts about the practicality of Trump’s proposal, noting likely opposition from Arab nations.
This proposal comes at a time of heightened tensions, with calls for international support to establish a sovereign Palestinian state growing louder. Critics argue that the plan undermines peace efforts in the region and risks escalating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
