Trump’s Gaza Plan: Displacement of Palestinians with No Right to Return

In a recent interview, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled further details of his proposed plan for the Gaza Strip, which would involve the resettlement of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents outside the enclave. According to Trump, the displaced Gazans would not have the option to return once the area is rebuilt.

During an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Trump confirmed that his plan involves establishing new, secure communities for Palestinians outside of Gaza. “We’ll build beautiful communities, safe communities — could be five, six, could be two,” Trump stated. “We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, from where all of this danger is.”

Trump went on to explain that the U.S. would oversee the development of these new areas while also taking full responsibility for the region during the reconstruction process. “In the meantime, I would own this,” he added. “Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land.”

When asked by Baier whether Palestinians would have the right to return to Gaza after the area was rebuilt, Trump firmly stated, “No, they won’t be returning.” He explained that his plan would provide a permanent relocation for the displaced Gazans in new and better living conditions, distancing them from the danger and hardship in Gaza. He further assured that he could strike a deal with Egypt and Jordan to assist in this resettlement. “We give them billions and billions of dollars a year,” he said, expressing confidence that he could forge such an agreement with neighboring countries.

This statement from President Trump contradicts earlier assurances by both U.S. officials and Israeli leaders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had previously indicated that the relocation would be temporary, designed only for the rebuilding process. This narrative was reinforced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also stated that Gazans would eventually be allowed to return to their homes after undergoing a screening process to ensure they no longer posed a threat.

Trump, however, clarified that he believed it would be a “big mistake” to allow Palestinians to return to Gaza once the area is reconstructed. “I think it’s a big mistake to allow people — the Palestinians, or the people living in Gaza — to go back yet another time,” Trump said. He suggested that the new communities, built with the help of rich Middle Eastern countries, would offer Gazans an opportunity to live in peace and harmony for the first time in generations.

While this plan has received backlash from various international leaders, including those in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the idea of permanently resettling Gaza’s residents outside of the Strip is part of Trump’s broader vision to reshape the region. King Abdullah of Jordan is expected to meet with Trump on February 11 in Washington, where he plans to voice his concerns that this proposal could lead to further radicalization and instability in the Middle East.

Furthermore, Egypt has scheduled an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to discuss these developments, especially given the significant impact the plan could have on Palestinian communities.

Trump’s approach has raised considerable questions about the future of Gaza and its inhabitants. While Netanyahu and opposition leaders, such as Yair Lapid, have emphasized that Palestinians would not be forced to relocate, Trump’s insistence on a permanent solution raises concerns for many. Netanyahu reiterated that Palestinians would have the option to return only if they disavow terrorism, but the U.S. president’s position remains firm against their return.

Despite the growing international opposition, Trump’s plan has garnered significant attention, particularly as it shifts the conversation about Gaza from temporary measures to a permanent resolution. The debate over the future of Gaza continues to unfold, with strong reactions from various global leaders, including those in the Arab world, all while the Trump administration pursues its ambitious goals for the region.