US president Donald Trump present proposed a controversial plan for the future of Gaza. His proposal involves “cleaning” this territory by relocating about 1.5 million Palestinians to neighboring countries – Egypt and Jordan.
Trump suggested that resettlement could be temporary or long-term, and arabian states could aid build fresh residences for displaced persons.
In an interview with journalists aboard Air Force One, president Trump compared Gaza to a “rumble” after 15 months of conflict with Israel.
He said, “We are talking about about about 1.5 million people, we will just clean it up. Over the centuries there have been conflicts. And something should be done.”
He added that he had already discussed this subject with the king of Jordan, Abdullah II, and shortly plans to discuss this issue with the president of Egypt, Abd el-Fatah es-Sisi.
The proposal was met with immediate criticism from the Palestinians and the global community. Basem Naim, a associate of the Hamas political office, stated that the Palestinians would not accept any plan that presupposes their resettlement under the pretext of rebuilding.
Egypt and Jordan, the key allies of the US in the region, besides expressed scepticism towards this proposal. Both countries have rejected akin suggestions in the past, fearing that the adoption of a large number of Palestinian refugees could destabilise their interior political and social situation. In addition, specified actions could be taken as an effort to destruct Palestinian national identity and undermine the efforts to make an independent Palestinian state.
Historical experience of the region besides raises concerns. In the past, the mass resettlement of Palestinians has led to tensions and conflicts in host countries. An example is the activity of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in Jordan, which led to bloody clashes in 1970, known as “Black September”. Egypt and Jordan are afraid that the adoption of a large number of refugees could lead to akin problems, especially if there were groups of militants among displaced people.
The President's proposal fits into the broader context of his policy towards the mediate East. Trump's administration has decided to resume supplies of dense air bombs to Israel, which had previously been halted by Joe Biden's administration due to concerns over civilians in the Gaza Strip. This decision was criticised by human rights organisations and any US allies who fear the escalation of force in the region.
The situation in Gaza remains critical. After 15 months of conflict with Israel, the territory is mostly destroyed, and most of the 2.4 million residents were forced to leave their homes. The deaths are counted in thousands. Humanitarian organisations are alerting the deficiency of access to basic services specified as water, food or medical care. In this context, the proposal for mass resettlement raises controversy and raises questions about its feasibility and the possible consequences for the stableness of the region.
It is besides worth noting that Trump's proposal could affect the relations of the US with another arabian countries and the normalization of relations between Israel and arabian countries. Many analysts fear that pushing specified a controversial plan can complicate these delicate diplomatic processes and lead to further tensions in the region.
In summary, president Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinian residents to Egypt and Jordan has been met with widespread criticism and controversy. Concerns concern both humanitarian issues and possible threats to political stableness in the region. This plan seems improbable to be implemented in its present form, given the position of the countries afraid and the global community.
