President Donald Trump said that Palestinians in Gaza should not return and instead be resettled in Jordan and Egypt, calling the region a “demolition site” after the war between Israel and Hamas.
Trump made the remarks ahead of a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss extending a ceasefire following Hamas October 7 terrorist attack.
Standing in the Oval Office, Trump argued Gaza’s destruction left Palestinians with “no alternative” but to leave.
“They’re there because they have no alternative. What do they have? It’s a big pile of rubble,” Trump told the media.
“If we could find the right piece of land … and build them some really nice places … that’s a lot better than going back.”
The proposal drew swift backlash. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called it a “recipe for chaos,” vowing Gazans would resist expulsion.
Neither Jordan nor Egypt has shown support for the idea and has long been opposed to absorbing large Palestinian populations into their countries.
Trump’s comments risk inflaming tensions in a region where forced displacement is a deeply sensitive issue.
Over 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza, many in extremely poor conditions after Israel’s military campaign.
The meeting with Netanyahu marked Trump’s first in-person talks with a foreign leader since retaking office two weeks ago.
The pair aimed to showcase repaired ties after clashing during Trump’s first term.
Discussions included Iran’s nuclear ambitions, arms deals, and a potential Saudi-Israel diplomacy pact tied to ending the war.
Netanyahu faces pressure to delay a permanent ceasefire, fearing his government’s collapse if Hamas retains power.
Trump has pushed for a swift resolution to free hostages and advance broader Middle East deals.
As ceasefire talks continue, Trump’s resettlement idea faces issues.
Gazans are determined to stay, and other countries are refusing to take in Palestinians on a permanent basis.