U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that he discussed his proposed relocation plan for Gazans with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The plan, initially floated over the weekend, suggests relocating Palestinians fleeing the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan.
“I’d like to get them living in an area where they can live without disruption, revolution,” Trump told reporters. “The Gaza Strip has been hell for so many years.” He continued, “It just seems to me there’s been violence on that strip for thousands of years, and maybe it’s time to move people to safer, more comfortable areas.”
Trump expressed confidence in regional leaders, saying, “I wish Sisi would take some [Gazans]. We’ve helped Egypt a lot, and I’m sure he’d help us in return. He’s a friend of mine. And I think King Abdullah of Jordan would also step up.”
When asked if this plan signals a shift in his stance on a two-state solution, Trump deflected, stating he plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “very soon.”
The relocation idea has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Egypt. On Sunday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry firmly rejected the proposal, reiterating its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to remain on their land.
In a statement, the Ministry condemned any attempt to displace Palestinians, emphasizing its opposition to settlement expansion, annexation, or the forced transfer of people from their homeland, whether short- or long-term. “The inalienable rights of the Palestinian people must not be infringed,” the statement read.
Trump had also mentioned discussing the idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II over the weekend, though no comment from the Jordanian government has been made public.
Reuters contributed to this article.
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