US President Donald Trump doubled down on his controversial suggestion Monday that Egypt and Jordan take in displaced Palestinians from Gaza. The proposal has faced significant opposition from Arab leaders, who fear the move could lead to permanent displacement.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, described Gaza as a “demolition site” after over 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized the need for Palestinians to live in areas “without disruption and violence,” adding, “You could get people living in areas that are safer, better, and more comfortable.”
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Egypt and Jordan have rejected the proposal outright, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi calling the idea “firmly and unwaveringly opposed.” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning that transferring Palestinians, even temporarily, could escalate regional conflict.
Trump said he discussed the idea with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordanian King Abdullah and plans to raise it with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to Washington. Despite Trump’s insistence that the leaders could “come around,” both nations remain staunchly against the plan.
Meanwhile, Israeli far-right leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, have voiced strong support for the proposal, aligning it with their calls to reestablish Israeli settlements in Gaza.