President Donald Trump's administration faced backlash after suggesting the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. The proposal, initially presented as a plan for the U.S. to take ownership of the territory, was later clarified by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Rubio described the proposal as a temporary measure to assist with debris removal and reconstruction in Gaza following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Leavitt emphasized the dire living conditions in Gaza, supporting the need for temporary relocation for the safety and well-being of the residents.
Despite Trump's vision of long-term U.S. ownership of Gaza's redevelopment, allies and lawmakers expressed concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the idea, while other U.S. allies in the Middle East cautioned against the proposal, citing potential threats to regional stability and the two-state solution.
The administration's stance on sending American troops to Gaza remains uncertain, with Trump aiming to maintain leverage in negotiations. However, both Trump and Leavitt ruled out providing U.S. financial aid for Gaza's reconstruction.
The proposal contradicts longstanding U.S. policy supporting the creation of a Palestinian state without further displacement. It also undermines previous efforts by the Biden administration to establish a post-conflict plan for Gaza's governance.
In response to the proposal, Arab nations and Palestinians rejected the idea of relocation, emphasizing their commitment to their land and opposition to displacement. The international community, including Saudi Arabia, reiterated support for an independent Palestinian state and called for alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham criticized the proposal, suggesting a focus on dismantling Hamas and promoting Arab involvement in Gaza and the West Bank for a sustainable peace agreement.
Overall, the Trump administration's proposal for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza has sparked debate and raised concerns among allies and stakeholders in the Middle East, highlighting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
