Trump proposes relocation plan for Gaza residents, acknowledges massive destruction

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested relocating Gaza’s population to Egypt and Jordan.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and revealed his discussions with regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
“I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump remarked, adding, “You’re talking about probably a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing.” He mentioned plans to speak with Egypt’s leader to further the initiative.
The war, which erupted after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, has displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.
Trump proposed the relocation as either temporary or permanent, suggesting, “I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”
Trump acknowledged the destruction in Gaza, calling it “almost entirely demolished” and highlighting the severe humanitarian toll. International estimates indicate that rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure could take many years.