President Trump stated that under his plan for U.S. ‘ownership’ of Gaza, Palestinians would not have a right to return. His vision included relocating Gazans temporarily, which has drawn criticism from Arab nations. Concerns over security and the two-state solution have been raised by Jordan and Egypt, complicating Trump’s proposal amid ongoing tensions in the region.
President Donald Trump declared that Palestinians in Gaza would not have a right to return under his proposed plan for U.S. “ownership” of the region. This statement starkly contrasts with assertions from other administration officials who suggested that Trump was advocating for merely a temporary relocation of Gazan populations. In an interview with FOX News, he directly responded to inquiries about the right of return by stating, “No, they wouldn’t.”
Just days after proposing U.S. control over Gaza, Donald Trump envisioned transforming the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” He expressed intentions to establish secure communities away from existing dangers and sought the cooperation of Arab nations, particularly Jordan and Egypt, to accommodate displaced Palestinians. Trump remarked, “We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is.”
In response to Trump’s plan, Arab leaders have voiced strong objections, especially ahead of his scheduled meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Both Egypt and Jordan have articulated apprehensions, not only over undermining aspirations for a two-state solution but also concerning the security implications of housing a significant influx of refugees.
After Trump’s initial remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the relocation of Palestinians was intended to be temporary, facilitating cleanup and reconstruction efforts. During the same discussions, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of deploying U.S. military forces for the region’s security while also asserting that no American funds would be allocated for Gaza’s reconstruction.
In summary, President Trump’s proposal for Gaza has provoked significant controversy, particularly regarding his outright dismissal of the right of return for Palestinians. His vision includes U.S. control and the temporary relocation of Gazan residents, raising concerns among regional allies about security and the implications for longstanding peace efforts. The proposal’s reception highlights the complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the sensitive dynamics involved in potential resolutions.
Original Source: apnews.com