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Trump Claims Palestinians Would Be Unable to Return to Gaza Under His Redevelopment Plan | US News


Donald Trump has stated that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza if his proposal to relocate its population and reconstruct the area were to be implemented.

Last week, the president unveiled his plan to “own” Gaza and eliminate Hamas’s influence during its redevelopment. However, he has since contradicted previous assurances from officials who indicated that any relocation would be temporary.

In an interview with Fox News, when asked if Palestinians could come back, he remarked: “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing. In other words, I’m talking about creating a permanent place for them.”

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During his Monday address at the White House, Mr. Trump also suggested that the current ceasefire in Gaza should conclude on Saturday if Hamas fails to release hostages as scheduled.

He further stated that if all remaining hostages are not freed by midday Saturday, the ceasefire should be revoked, implying that “all hell is going to break out” should those hostages not be liberated.

However, he added: “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”

Hamas previously announced they would postpone the release of hostages, claiming Israel has breached the ceasefire agreement.

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‘I would own this’ – Trump on Gaza

Mr. Trump shared his vision for Gaza with Fox News, explaining plans to create several “safe communities, slightly away from areas of danger,” adding that the region is currently “not habitable.”

He expressed confidence in his ability to negotiate with Egypt or Jordan to accept those displaced.

Nonetheless, Arab nations, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have rejected the notion of relocating Gaza’s population, which exceeds two million.

Western nations have also dismissed the idea; the establishment of an independent Palestinian state continues to be the preferred solution, although it is viewed unfavorably by the Israeli government.

When questioned by media, Palestinians have also ridiculed the concept.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported Trump’s contentious proposal.

Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. 
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. Pic: Reuters

A significant portion of Gaza is devastated due to Israel‘s efforts to eliminate Hamas following its 2023 terrorist attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel.

About 250 individuals were also abducted; however, those still alive have begun to be released in recent weeks following the implementation of a hard-fought truce last month.

Since the ceasefire began on January 19, five exchanges have occurred, resulting in the release of 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages.

Israel has stated it will release up to 1,904 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the agreement.

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No Return Policy is the Most Offensive Aspect of Trump’s Radical Plan

Donald Trump has firmly stated “No”. When asked directly if Palestinians would have the right to return to a redeveloped Gaza, he told Fox News Channel’s Brett Baier: “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.”

While the prospect of Trump constructing on Gaza may offend its inhabitants, the most egregious aspect is the possibility of their permanent displacement. Since Trump’s initial proposal to appropriate and build on Palestinian land, analysts across America, the Middle East, and beyond have been evaluating the gravity of the situation.

Everything that has followed indicates that he is committed to both the project and to disregarding deep-seated objections from both allies and foes.

Despite Jordan and Egypt’s outright refusal to accept Palestinians, Trump has stated: “I believe I could make a deal with Jordan. I believe I could make a deal with Egypt. You know, we provide them billions and billions of dollars each year.”

If financial incentives were the solution for Middle Eastern peace, it would have been resolved ages ago. Trump’s upcoming meeting in Washington with Jordan’s King Abdullah is expected to be challenging.

The Jordanian leader is likely to present his own figures – concerning the already significant number of Palestinian refugees residing in the Hashemite Kingdom and the instability posed by moving even more.

Trump is also scheduled to meet with the Egyptian president and the Saudi crown prince in the coming days – a collective of Arab leaders cautioning a territorial president during a crucial time, as stakeholders in the ongoing conflict navigate the stages of a ceasefire agreement.

Trump’s plan is radical, inviting fresh discussions about potential paths forward for the region.

However, the proposal threatens to sever a people from their homeland – once again. At the core of this radical idea lies an intrinsic recklessness.

So far, minimal progress has been made regarding an extension beyond the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire.

A team from Israel has arrived in Qatar for further negotiations, amidst concerns that the agreement might collapse before all the remaining hostages are liberated.



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