Insights from Air Force One: President Trump’s Perspective on Palestinian Refugees
While traveling aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump shared his views on the situation of Palestinian refugees fleeing the Gaza Strip. He proposed that countries like Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations should increase their capacity to accept these refugees. Trump suggested that relocating a substantial number of people could help “clean out” the devastated area, paving the way for a new beginning.
During a 20-minute briefing with journalists on Saturday, Trump also revealed that he had removed the restrictions placed by the prior administration on the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. This pivotal decision could reshape the ongoing conflict dynamics between Israel and Hamas, which is currently in a delicate state of ceasefire.
“We released them today,” Trump announced about the bombs. “They’ve been waiting for them for quite some time.” When questioned about his reasoning for lifting the ban, he simply stated, “Because they purchased them.”
Trump has consistently identified himself as a strong ally of Israel. As for his broader vision concerning Gaza, he mentioned having spoken earlier with King Abdullah II of Jordan and expressed plans to engage with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the following day.
“I’d like Egypt to accept people, and I’d like Jordan to do the same,” Trump noted. “We’re considering the possibility of relocating up to a million and a half individuals; we could effectively clear the entire area.”
He praised Jordan for its past efforts in welcoming Palestinian refugees and expressed hope that the nation would contemplate taking in even more. “Looking at the Gaza Strip right now, it’s a total disaster. A genuine catastrophe,” he remarked.
This potential mass displacement raises important questions about Palestinian identity and their longstanding ties to Gaza. However, Trump pointed out that the region has faced numerous conflicts over the years, implying that any resettlement could be either temporary or permanent.
“Change is necessary,” Trump asserted. “The area is literally a demolition site at this point. Almost everything is in ruins, and the people are suffering.” He added, “I’d prefer to collaborate with some Arab nations to build housing in a different location, allowing them to potentially live in peace for a change.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Trump on Sunday for honoring his commitment to provide Israel with essential defense resources. However, he did not address the President’s remarks regarding the relocation of Palestinian refugees.
On the other hand, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated his country’s firm opposition to the proposed relocation of Palestinians, emphasizing that their stance is “steadfast and unwavering.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, was asked on CNN’s “State of the Union” about the implications of the President’s comments on Palestinians. “Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what he meant,” Graham confessed, underscoring the challenges of relocating all Palestinians.
“The notion that all Palestinians will leave and relocate elsewhere seems impractical,” Graham stated. Nonetheless, he encouraged continued 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, reaching out to MBS, the UAE, and Egypt is essential. What are their plans for the Palestinians? Do they foresee them all relocating?” Graham questioned.
Trump has previously proposed unconventional ideas for Gaza’s future. Upon taking office, he remarked that Gaza “requires a different approach to rebuilding.”
He elaborated, “Gaza is intriguing. Its coastal location and favorable climate offer potential for beauty, yet it remains incredibly complex.”
The resumption of bomb deliveries marks a shift from former President Joe Biden’s policy, which had halted these shipments in May to prevent an extensive Israeli offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah. A month later, Israel did gain control of the city, but by then, most civilians had already evacuated.
“Civilians have suffered in Gaza due to those bombs and the targeting methods employed against population centers,” Biden commented in May when announcing the hold on the weapons. “I made it clear that if they advanced into Rafah, I wouldn’t facilitate the supply of the weapons typically used there.”
Biden’s restrictions also delayed the transfer of 1,700 500-pound bombs included in the same shipment, although those were ultimately sent to Israel.
Trump’s recent decisions align with the early stages of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has temporarily halted conflicts and enabled the release of certain hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees in Israel.
Serious negotiations for the more complex second phase of the agreement, aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and ensuring enduring peace, have yet to commence.
If the remaining hostages are not released, the Israeli government has signaled it may resume military actions against Hamas, which launched a significant assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
—Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.