The proposal made by United States President Donald Trump for Palestinians to be relocated from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan has been met with strong criticism and condemnation. Many fear that this suggestion could lead to ethnic cleansing.
During a press conference on Saturday, Trump stated that it was time to “clean out” the besieged Gaza Strip and called on the leaders of Jordan and Egypt to welcome Palestinians from Gaza, either temporarily or permanently.
This proposal was swiftly rejected by Palestinians on Sunday, with the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah stating that it would violate their “red lines.” Residents of Gaza also expressed their determination to remain in the coastal enclave.
Nafiz Halawa, a Palestinian citizen from Nuseirat in central Gaza, expressed his disbelief at the idea of leaving the country, stating, “It’s absolutely impossible.” Elham al-Shabli echoed this sentiment, saying, “We will remain despite what happens.”
The PA released a statement emphasizing that the Palestinian people will never abandon their land or holy sites. They urged Trump to support the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, establish the PA as the governing body in Gaza, and work towards the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, criticized the US administration for aligning with Israeli “schemes” and urged Trump to abandon such proposals which conflict with the rights of the Palestinian people.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated the country’s rejection of displacement and expressed willingness to work with the Trump administration towards the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also questioned the feasibility of Trump’s proposal, stating that Arab countries in the region would likely reject it.
Israel prevents return to northern Gaza
Trump’s comments came after a truce deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which resulted in two rounds of captives-for-prisoners exchanges.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel refused to open crossing points for Palestinians waiting to return to their homes in northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the truce.
Israel stated that crossing points would open after the release of Israeli civilian captive Arbel Yehud, held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza. According to the truce deal, civilian captives were to be freed before soldiers.
The PIJ announced that Yehud would be released before Saturday in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners. PIJ Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed al-Hindi stated that they are awaiting a response on how Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes.
Reporting from a crossing point in Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud noted the lack of shelter for displaced individuals, saying, “There is no place for them here; there are no tents.” He explained that many people had dismantled their tents in anticipation of crossing into northern Gaza but were unable to do so.
As a result, many displaced individuals had to stay at the crossing point for another night.
