Trump’s Controversial Gaza Resettlement Proposal Faces Widespread Opposition

US President Donald Trump stood firm on his controversial suggestion to relocate large numbers of Gazans to Egypt and Jordan, despite a wave of opposition from Arab leaders. The proposal, which Trump called an effort to “clean out” Gaza after months of war, has sparked heated debates and been rejected outright by both Egypt and Jordan.

Trump's comments came after discussions with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan's King Abdullah. The US president reiterated that both leaders would agree to resettle Palestinians from the war-torn Gaza Strip, which he described as a “demolition site” after 15 months of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He added that the issue would be addressed in his upcoming talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On a call with reporters, Trump explained that he envisioned Gazans living in areas with “less disruption” and “more safety” than in Gaza, a region he referred to as a long-standing source of violence. While Trump expressed optimism that Egypt and Jordan would accept Palestinians, both countries have rejected the idea, emphasizing that Palestinians should remain in Gaza and addressing concerns that resettling them could lead to permanent displacement.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egypt's Foreign Minister rejected the proposal, with Egypt warning that resettlement could exacerbate the regional conflict. Despite this, Trump remained confident, asserting that both Sissi and King Abdullah would come around.

Global Reactions and Domestic Challenges

The proposal also stirred confusion among some of Trump’s domestic allies. US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the plan, suggesting it was unlikely that Palestinians would simply “leave” Gaza. Despite these concerns, Trump suggested the plan could be discussed further with Netanyahu, as Israeli officials have long supported the idea of resettling Gazans outside the Strip.

In Israel, far-right figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and former ally Itamar Ben Gvir voiced support for Trump's idea, seeing it as a way to reduce civilian harm during the conflict. However, Palestinians and Arab states strongly oppose the plan, fearing it would become a permanent solution, with no opportunity for return.

The Bigger Picture: Regional Politics and the Ceasefire

Trump's proposal comes amid broader talks surrounding the ceasefire and a potential resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While both Israel and Palestine have experienced devastating losses, the plan to resettle Gazans has become a point of contention, especially as Israel grapples with its own domestic political pressures. Critics worry that the idea may simply be a political maneuver, aimed at placating far-right factions within Netanyahu's coalition.