Trump says Jordan, Egypt should take in more Palestinians from Gaza
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US President Donald Trump noted that Gaza “is literally a demolition site”.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said on Jan 25 that Jordan and Egypt should take in more Palestinians from Gaza, where Israel’s war against Hamas has caused a humanitarian crisis.
When asked if this was a temporary or long-term suggestion, Mr Trump said: “Could be either.”
Washington had said in 2024 it opposed the forcible displacement of Palestinians. Rights groups and humanitarian agencies have for months raised concerns over the situation in Gaza, with the war displacing nearly the entire population and leading to a hunger crisis.
Washington has also faced criticism for backing Israel but has maintained support for its ally, saying that the US is helping Israel defend against Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
“I said to him, I’d love you to take on more because I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now and it’s a mess, it’s a real mess. I’d like him to take people,” Mr Trump said about his call on Jan 25 with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
“I’d like Egypt to take people,” Mr Trump told reporters, adding that he would speak to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Jan 26.
“You’re talking about a million-and-half people, and we just clean out that whole thing,” Mr Trump said.
The population in the Palestinian enclave prior to the start of the Israel-Gaza war was around 2.3 million.
‘Demolition site’
Mr Trump noted that Gaza “is literally a demolition site”.
“Almost everything is demolished and people are dying there, so 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,” he said.
Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after the Oct 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
Since then, Israel’s campaign has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the health authorities there. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have also died in Gaza combat.
A ceasefire went into effect a week ago
