Trump, Gaza, and the Politics of Departure: A Policy or a Punchline?
Donald Trump has again urged Palestinians to leave Gaza for Egypt or Jordan. To outsiders, this might seem like a practical solution—why endure relentless Israeli bombardment, militant rule, and a collapsing infrastructure when they could escape? But Gazans and many Muslims see Gaza as more than just land; it embodies global solidarity and a generational struggle against Israel. They view their suffering as a sacrifice that deepens their commitment to the cause. They refuse to leave, whether by personal conviction or pressure from their supporters. Meanwhile, Israel, seeking territorial expansion, particularly in the West Bank, finds a willing ally in the United States, whose leaders take pride in making “great deals.” Some believe a relocation plan could work. With strong Muslim allies in the region, Trump, in theory, could try to broker such an agreement.
Trump’s comment on Gaza has dominated headlines amid growing uncertainty over the territory’s future. While involved parties insist that any resolution will be tied to a ceasefire agreement, one outcome is certain—Israel will never allow Hamas or any other Islamist group to govern Gaza, even if elected. European and Arab states are pressing for the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, to take over. Meanwhile, another plan, long favored by Israel’s right wing, is quietly resurfacing: annexing Gaza and relocating its population to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. Trump’s remarks have added momentum to this idea, and Netanyahu, backed by Israel’s right, might see it as a viable option. Yet for many Gazans, deeply connected to their land, religion, and Palestinian identity, forced relocation remains unthinkable.
Aboard Air Force One on Monday night, the U.S. president faced questions about his weekend remarks on “cleaning out” the Gaza Strip, whether temporarily or long-term. Trump reinforced his stance, saying he wanted Palestinians from Gaza to live in an area where they would not face constant disruption, revolution, and violence. He described Gaza as a place that had been in turmoil for many years, emphasizing that various civilizations had occupied the strip over thousands of years, always marked by violence. He suggested that people could be relocated to areas that were safer, possibly better, and more comfortable.
Trump said he would visit Netanyahu and had spoken with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah on Sunday, insisting that both leaders would support the plan. On Monday, Abdullah also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though the State Department’s statement on the call did not mention the issue. Trump expressed confidence that Sisi would accept some Palestinians, emphasizing that the U.S. had provided substantial aid to Egypt and that he considered Sisi a friend. He acknowledged Egypt’s challenging geopolitical position but insisted that both Sisi and King Abdullah would cooperate.
However, both Amman and Cairo have firmly rejected the idea, making it clear that Trump’s proposal is not an option. Yet, if Trump were to apply pressure through tariffs and tougher measures, and if he acted adamantly, Egypt and Jordan—perhaps even Saudi Arabia—might eventually follow his lead.
Gaza’s dire conditions further bolster the case for relocation. Fifteen months of war have devastated 70% of its infrastructure, pushing 2.3 million residents into a deep humanitarian crisis. Before a ceasefire took effect earlier this month, more than 47,000 people had been killed, and nearly 90% of the population had been displaced—many multiple times—according to Palestinian support sources. Rebuilding remains an immense challenge, especially as aid organizations like UNRWA face scrutiny from Israel.Even before the war, Gaza relied heavily on aid, and the worsening conditions have led many to consider leaving. This option could become more feasible if the United States and Arab countries provide support.
Mediators have begun preliminary work on the second phase of ceasefire negotiations, expected to take effect in early March. Under this phase, Israel is supposed to fully withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas is expected to disarm. However, the Israeli government will likely align with Trump’s plan and engage with neighboring Arab countries, potentially paving the way for a broader deal shaped by continued U.S. involvement.
