U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his recent proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. Speaking from the Oval Office on January 25th, Trump expressed confidence, stating, "I heard somebody said they're not going to, but I think they will. I feel confident they will." This statement reflects his attempts to garner support for the proposal, which has recently drawn widespread condemnation from Arab nations and international observers alike.
Despite Trump’s insistence, both Egypt and Jordan have firmly rejected the idea of taking in Palestinians amid the backdrop of the severe humanitarian crisis following intense conflicts. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was particularly vocal, emphasizing, "The displacement of the Palestinian people from their land is an injustice [that] we cannot take part in." He later added, "If I were to ask this of the Egyptian people, all of them would take to the streets to say ‘no.’" This public sentiment was on full display at the Rafah border crossing, where protesters gathered with Palestinian flags and chanted against the displacement.
Trump’s comments followed the ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month after intense fighting, which has resulted in more than 47,400 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction within Gaza since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The U.N. has highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on the region, indicating the long-term rebuilding process could span over 10 to 15 years.
The President maintained his stance, insisting to reporters, "They will do it. They will do it. They’re gonna do it, okay? We do a lot for them, and they’re gonna do it," reflecting his belief—in stark contradiction to the open rejections—of Cairo and Amman’s eventual compliance. Trump’s references to U.S. aid seem to suggest he believes financial leverage might play a role in enacting such proposals.
The reality is, any suggestion of relocating Palestinians has been met with hostility, not just from the Egyptian and Jordanian governments, but also from the Palestinian leadership who have labeled such ideas as unacceptable, historically linking displacement attempts to colonial-era land grabs.
The protests at the Rafah border demonstrated the palpable anger stemming from these proposals. Eyewitnesses reported large gatherings of individuals waving Egyptian and Palestinian flags, chanting, "We say no to any displacement of Palestine or Gaza at the expense of Egypt, on the land of Sinai," said Sinai resident Gazy Saeed, underlining the deeply-rooted connection Egyptians feel to Palestinian struggles.
Adding to the complexity of international relations, even among longtime U.S. allies, the unity behind rejecting Trump’s proposal showcases the sensitivity surrounding Palestinian identity and the existing statehood aspirations.
On the ground, the need for humanitarian aid within Gaza has reached urgent levels. Health reports indicate only about 18 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional, with dire needs for medical evacuations and infrastructure support. The international community, grappling with the immediate effects of the humanitarian crisis, seems unlikely to accept proposals without considering the historical and emotional ramifications they entail.
Trump plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon to discuss the Gaza developments, hinting at the political maneuvering amid this tumultuous backdrop. How this proposal will develop remains uncertain, especially against the backdrop of consistently strong rejections from the region's key players.
While President Trump’s administration can be noted for its strong stance on Israeli security, the potential fallout from his provocative remarks may well lead to increased tensions not just within the Middle East but also between the U.S. and its traditional allies. One can only wonder what impact this proposal may have on future U.S.-Middle Eastern diplomacy.