Sun Jan 26 08:19:53 UTC 2025: ## Trump Proposes Relocating Gaza Residents, Unblocks Sale of Massive Bombs to Israel

**WASHINGTON D.C.** – In a controversial statement, former President Donald Trump suggested the relocation of Gaza’s population to Egypt and Jordan, potentially on a permanent basis. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump stated his desire to “clean out” Gaza, calling the situation a “mess.” He reportedly urged both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II to accept a potential influx of up to 1.5 million Palestinians. Trump framed the relocation as a means to rebuild the devastated region and potentially provide Palestinians with a more peaceful environment.

The proposal immediately drew sharp criticism from Palestinian groups, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which condemned it as an encouragement of “war crimes” and a denial of Palestinian rights. Abdullah Al-Arian, an associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, highlighted that similar proposals have circulated before, reflecting a pattern of attempts at ethnic cleansing. He also noted the likely opposition from Palestinians themselves.

While Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed Trump’s idea, Palestinians view any such proposal with deep apprehension, recalling the “Nakba,” the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s founding in 1948. Egypt has previously expressed concern over such a plan, citing potential risks to its peace treaty with Israel. Jordan, already home to a large Palestinian refugee population, also faces significant challenges should such a relocation occur. The recent 15-month war in Gaza has left the territory devastated, with the UN estimating that reconstruction will take many years.

Adding to the controversy, Trump also announced the lifting of a hold on the sale of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. He stated that the sale was permitted because Israel had already purchased the weapons, reversing a decision by his predecessor, Joe Biden, who had concerns about the potential impact on civilians. The US has a long history of providing substantial military and economic aid to Israel, totaling $297 billion (adjusted for inflation) since 1946. The announcement comes a week after a ceasefire in Gaza, which saw the exchange of some Israeli and Palestinian prisoners. The former president’s statements have reignited debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of the US in the region.

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