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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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
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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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.
