Map highlighting Israel (green), Egypt (orange), and Jordan (blue)—countries involved in discussions about relocating Palestinians from Gaza, as proposed by President Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump on Saturday proposed a controversial plan to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, suggesting that neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt should accept additional Palestinian refugees. The comments were made aboard Air Force One as Trump discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the fragile ceasefire currently in place.

“You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing,” Trump said, referencing Gaza. He further explained his vision for relocating displaced Palestinians to other Arab nations, claiming it could provide a fresh start for those affected by the conflict. The president expressed his desire to engage Jordan’s King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in discussions to facilitate such a move.

Trump’s remarks have sparked a wide range of reactions from regional leaders and political commentators. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi firmly rejected the idea, calling the proposed relocation “untenable.” Similarly, Egypt has raised concerns about the destabilizing impact of a mass influx of refugees, reiterating its commitment to supporting Palestinians within their homeland.

Trump’s suggestion received a positive response from some far-right Israeli politicians, who viewed it as aligning with their vision of a long-term solution for the region. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the idea “innovative” and praised Trump’s willingness to think beyond traditional approaches to resolving the conflict.

However, Palestinian leaders and international observers condemned the proposal. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior spokesperson for Hamas, labeled the plan an attempt at forced displacement and vowed that Palestinians would remain steadfast in their homeland. “The people of Gaza have endured immense suffering but will not abandon their land,” Abu Zuhri stated.

The United Nations also criticized the idea, with Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese warning that such measures could constitute a violation of international law. She described the proposal as a form of “ethnic cleansing” under the guise of a humanitarian solution.

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas tenuously holds, both sides have accused each other of failing to meet the terms of the agreement. Israeli officials have delayed the reopening of the Netzarim corridor in Gaza, citing Hamas’ refusal to release certain civilian hostages, including Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old woman whose fate remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Hamas has criticized Israel for obstructing the return of displaced residents to northern Gaza. The militant group insists that facilitating such movements was a key condition of the ceasefire. The humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to mount, with Gaza’s health authorities reporting over 47,000 deaths since hostilities began in October 2023.

Amid the diplomatic tensions, Trump also announced the resumption of 2,000-pound bomb shipments to Israel. The supply had been paused under the Biden administration due to concerns about civilian casualties in densely populated areas. Trump defended the decision, stating, “They paid for them, and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time.”

Trump’s remarks come at a time of growing scrutiny over the United States’ role in the Middle East. Critics argue that his proposal undermines efforts for a two-state solution, long seen as the most viable path to peace. Jordan, already home to over 2 million Palestinian refugees, and Egypt have reiterated their commitment to a political resolution that safeguards Palestinian rights.

While Trump’s vision has resonated with some factions, the broader international community remains skeptical about its feasibility and legality. The question of Gaza’s future continues to be one of the most complex and contentious issues in global diplomacy.