In a significant policy clarification, President Donald Trump has stated that his proposed plan for U.S. administration of the Gaza Strip will not involve the expulsion of Palestinian residents. This announcement marks a departure from his earlier suggestions of relocating Gaza’s population to neighboring countries.
During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, President Trump addressed concerns regarding the displacement of Palestinians, asserting, “Nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza.” This statement comes after previous remarks proposing the removal of approximately two million Palestinians to facilitate a U.S.-led redevelopment of the region into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The initial proposal had drawn widespread criticism from international leaders and human rights organizations, who labeled it as a form of ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres had condemned the plan, emphasizing the need to protect the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.
In response to President Trump’s recent clarification, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem expressed approval, stating that the group welcomes the apparent retraction of the displacement proposal. Qassem emphasized the importance of this stance and urged the U.S. to ensure that Israel complies with ceasefire agreements.
Similarly, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation for President Trump’s remarks, highlighting that preventing further humanitarian deterioration in Gaza is crucial for achieving fair and sustainable solutions to the Palestinian issue.
The Gaza Strip has endured significant devastation due to prolonged conflicts, with reconstruction costs estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. The international community continues to seek viable solutions to address the humanitarian crisis and establish lasting peace in the region.
Sources:
- Hamas official welcomes Trump’s apparent retreat on call to displace Gazans
- Egypt appreciates Trump’s decision not to displace Gazans
- Trump says U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate its people. What does it mean?
- UN chief warns against ‘ethnic cleansing’ after Trump’s Gaza proposal
- Gaza war
