Trump Floats Plan For Gaza, Wants Egypt to Accept Refugees – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

Trump Floats Plan For Gaza, Wants Egypt to Accept Refugees – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

Aboard Air Force One — President Trump’s Strategy for Palestinian Refugees

While journeying on Air Force One, President Donald Trump articulated his ambition for Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations to welcome a greater number of Palestinian refugees escaping the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He proposed that relocating a substantial segment of the population could potentially “clean out” the conflict-ridden area, offering a new beginning for those affected.

During a 20-minute discussion with journalists on Saturday, Trump revealed that he had removed the limitations set by the previous administration on the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. This move is likely to affect the current tensions between Israel and Hamas, particularly as a fragile ceasefire is in place.

“We released them today,” Trump affirmed about the bombs. “They’ve been waiting for quite some time.” When queried about his reasoning behind lifting the ban, he succinctly stated, “Because they purchased them.”

Trump has consistently maintained a strong pro-Israel stance. On the topic of Gaza, he mentioned that he had conversed earlier that day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and planned to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the following day.

“I’d like to see Egypt take in people, and I’d like Jordan to do the same,” Trump noted. “We’re discussing possibly relocating a million and a half individuals; we could effectively clear out the entire region.”

He praised Jordan for its past efforts in accepting Palestinian refugees and expressed hope that the nation would consider further contributions. “Looking at the Gaza Strip, it’s a complete disaster. A real catastrophe,” he remarked.

This proposed mass relocation raises significant questions about Palestinian identity and their historical ties to Gaza. However, Trump pointed out that the region has seen numerous conflicts throughout its history, implying that resettlement could be either a temporary or a long-term solution.

“Change is essential,” Trump asserted. “It’s essentially a demolition site at the moment. Almost everything lies in ruins, and the suffering is immense.” He added, “I’d prefer to collaborate with some Arab nations to build housing in a different location, allowing these individuals to perhaps live in peace for a change.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Sunday, thanking Trump for fulfilling his promise to provide Israel with necessary defense resources. However, he did not comment on Trump’s suggestions regarding Palestinian refugees.

In contrast, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi firmly reiterated his country’s rejection of the proposed relocation of Palestinians, describing their stance as “firm and unwavering.”

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, addressed the implications of Trump’s comments about Palestinians during a segment on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Honestly, I’m not sure what he meant,” Graham confessed, highlighting the challenges of relocating all Palestinians.

“The notion that all Palestinians will leave and settle elsewhere seems impractical,” Graham stated. Nevertheless, he urged Trump to maintain discussions with Middle Eastern leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and officials from the UAE and Egypt.

“I’m uncertain about his comments. However, engaging with MBS, the UAE, and Egypt is vital. What are their strategies for the Palestinians? Do they foresee all of them relocating?” he questioned.

Trump has previously shared innovative ideas for Gaza’s future. On his inaugural day, he suggested that Gaza “requires a different approach to rebuilding.”

He added, “Gaza is intriguing. Its coastal location, combined with favorable weather, offers potential for beauty, but it’s extraordinarily complex.”

The renewed delivery of bombs signifies a shift from former President Joe Biden’s policy, which had suspended these shipments in May to avert an extensive Israeli offensive in Rafah, located in southern Gaza. A month later, Israel did seize control of the city, but by that time, the majority of civilians had already evacuated.

“Civilians in Gaza have suffered due to those bombs and the tactics used to target population centers,” Biden commented in May while imposing the hold on the weapons. “I made it clear that if they advanced into Rafah, I wouldn’t provide the typically used munitions there.”

Biden’s restrictions also postponed the delivery of 1,700 500-pound bombs included in the same shipment, though those were ultimately sent to Israel.

Trump’s recent actions coincide with the early stage of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has temporarily halted hostilities and allowed for the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Serious negotiations for the next phase of the agreement, aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and establishing lasting peace, have yet to begin.

Should the remaining hostages not be released, the Israeli government has warned it may resume military operations against Hamas, which launched a large-scale assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

—Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.