U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Jordan and Egypt to accommodate more Palestinians from Gaza, describing the region as a “demolition site” following Israel’s military operations. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump emphasized the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has displaced millions and caused widespread devastation.
A Bold Suggestion Amid Crisis
During a conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Trump urged the country to accept more Palestinian refugees. He plans to discuss similar proposals with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. “I’d like him to take people,” Trump said about King Abdullah, adding, “I’d like Egypt to take people too.”
When pressed about whether this was a temporary or permanent solution, Trump responded ambiguously, saying, “Could be either.” The President’s comments come as the U.S. faces criticism for supporting Israel while grappling with the complex humanitarian fallout of the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people before the war, has been described by Trump as a “real mess.” Following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 hostages taken, Israel launched a military offensive. This response has led to over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The scale of destruction has sparked accusations of war crimes and genocide, which Israel denies.
Trump referred to Gaza as “almost entirely demolished,” expressing a preference for resettling displaced Palestinians in other Arab nations where they might “live in peace for a change.”
Balancing U.S. Support and Criticism
While the U.S. continues to back Israel, citing its need to defend against Iran-supported groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Biden administration has also faced backlash for its stance. Washington has previously opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians, a point rights groups have raised in light of Trump’s recent remarks.
A Ceasefire Brings Temporary Relief
A week-long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has led to the exchange of hostages and prisoners, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. However, the long-term future of Gaza and its displaced population remains uncertain.
Moving Forward
Trump’s proposal to involve Jordan and Egypt in addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis highlights the challenges of finding lasting solutions in the region. Whether this plan gains traction remains to be seen, but it underscores the complexities of balancing humanitarian needs with political realities in the Middle East.
