United States President Donald Trump’s proposal to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and relocate them to Egypt and Jordan has been strongly condemned, with concerns of ethnic cleansing arising.
Trump suggested on Saturday that it was time to evacuate the besieged Gaza Strip, urging the leaders of Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians from Gaza, either temporarily or permanently.
The proposal was met with widespread rejection by Palestinians on Sunday, with the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah stating that it would violate their “red lines”. Gaza residents also insisted on staying in the coastal enclave.
Palestinian citizen Nafiz Halawa expressed that leaving their country was not an option for them, despite the suffering they have endured. Elham al-Shabli also rejected the idea, stating that they will remain in Gaza despite any challenges.
Hamas, the governing group in Gaza, criticized the proposal, calling on the US administration to abandon such ideas that align with Israeli plans and go against the rights of the Palestinian people.
Israel prevents return to northern Gaza
Trump’s remarks come after a truce deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with ongoing tensions preventing Palestinians from returning to their homes in northern Gaza.
Thousands of Palestinians were waiting at roadblocks on Sunday, unable to return home as Israel refused to open crossing points, citing ceasefire breaches by Hamas.
The Israeli government stated that crossing points would open once a civilian captive held by the PIJ is released. The PIJ confirmed the imminent release of the captive in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
