Gaza residents reject Trump’s suggestion to relocate
Palestinians in Gaza have rejected US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that they leave the enclave and resettle elsewhere, The National reported on January 27th.
The remarks, made on Air Force One, have sparked outrage as Gaza begins a fragile recovery under a ceasefire that started on January 19th.
Rebuilding Gaza after 15 months of bombardment presents a monumental challenge. The United Nations estimates that over 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents were displaced, many of those multiple times, as eviction orders were issued across the territory.
Trump said that he would like Egypt or Jordan to relocate people, describing the move as “temporary” or possibly “long-term.” He said: “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, we just clean out that whole thing…I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”
Jordan and Egypt rejected the notion, reaffirming the necessity for Palestinians to maintain their homeland.
This week, the ceasefire reached a new stage, as Gaza residents displaced to the south during the conflict were allowed to return to northern Gaza on January 27th, which had been under siege by Israeli forces.
“The sight of people returning to their homeland is a powerful message, particularly in response to Trump,” said Ali Hassouna, 29, a Gaza resident.
Hassouna added: “These individuals are fully aware that they are returning to rubble and destruction, yet they insist on sending a clear message to the world: when you have a rightful claim to something, no one – neither America nor Israel – can take it away.”
The two-day delay in the opening up of a return to the north was caused by a dispute, in which Israel claimed that Hamas has altered the sequence of hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Mediators sorted out the conflict overnight.
For many, going back to their homes, even in ruins, symbolises resilience. “Let Trump say whatever he wants,” said Mahmoud Zebda, 50, another Gaza resident. “We didn’t leave Gaza when bombs were falling over our heads – why would we leave now that the war has ended?”
The Arab League criticised Mr Trump’s comments, comparing them to “ethnic cleansing,” while Hamas vowed to “foil” any such plans.
Palestinians view any attempt to remove them from Gaza as reminiscent of the “Nakba,” or “catastrophe,” referring to the large-scale displacement of Palestinians which prompted Israel’s creation in 1948.
The National
