Trump on Saturday proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza
to neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, a suggestion that contrasts
with the policy of the former Biden administration.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to
Miami, Trump said he raised the issue during a telephone conversation with King
Abdullah II of Jordan, reports Reuters.
He added that he planned to discuss the matter with Egyptian
President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday.
"I told him [King Abdullah] that I'd like you to take
on more because Gaza is a mess, a real mess," Trump said.
"I'd like Jordan to take people, and I'd like Egypt to
take people. I’ll talk to Gen. Al-Sisi tomorrow. You're talking about a million
and a half people. We just clean out that whole thing."
Trump described Gaza as "a demolition site,"
claiming, "Almost everything is destroyed, and people are dying there. I’d
rather get involved with some Arab nations and build housing at a different
location where they can live in peace for a change. It could be temporary or it
could be long-term."
This relocation idea has drawn criticism, as the Biden
administration had opposed similar proposals, emphasizing the importance of
allowing Gazans to return to their homes in the context of a peace agreement
and a two-state solution.
A ceasefire, in place since January 19, has brought
temporary relief to civilians in the besieged enclave, but Trump expressed
doubts about its sustainability.
"It's not our war; it's their war. I think they are
very weakened on the other side," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office
earlier in the week.
Commenting on the state of Gaza, Trump said, "I looked at a picture of Gaza. It’s like a massive demolition site.
That place... it needs to be
rebuilt differently. Gaza is a phenomenal location by the sea, with the best
weather and great potential. Some beautiful things could be done with it, but
it’s in ruins now."
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