In a recent interview, President Donald Trump hinted at a retreat from his controversial plan to relocate millions of Palestinians from Gaza, acknowledging the outright refusal of Egypt and Jordan to accept them. Initially, Trump suggested that these nations would eventually agree to the displacement, despite their firm rejections. However, during a Fox News interview, he conceded that their refusal could render his plan unfeasible, stating that while he believed strongly in his approach, he would not impose it. This change marks a notable deviation from Trump's earlier unwavering determination to implement his vision, which aims to transform Gaza into a prominent tourist destination, echoing sentiments of a grand diplomatic strategy that depends heavily on persuading regional partners.
Trump Reconsiders Gaza Plan Amid Resistance from Middle Eastern Leaders
Trump Reconsiders Gaza Plan Amid Resistance from Middle Eastern Leaders
President Trump's Gaza proposal faces significant pushback from Egypt and Jordan, leading to a shift in his stance.
The Al-Sikka area of northern Gaza, east of Jabaliya, last week. Most of the Gaza Strip has been leveled in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
President Trump recently appeared to soften his stance on the contentious issue of Gaza, previously advocating for the relocation of two million Palestinians to other Middle Eastern countries. His original assertion had been that he could convince leaders in Egypt and Jordan to accept the displaced population, stating, “They say they’re not going to accept... I say they will.” However, during a conversation with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, he acknowledged the failure of his persuasive efforts, revealing surprise at their outright rejections: “Well, we pay Jordan and Egypt billions of dollars a year. And I was a little surprised they’d say that, but they did.”
The president maintained his belief that his approach is the most effective solution, yet he emphasized that he would refrain from enforcing it, suggesting a pivot in the administration’s handling of the matter amid the broader contextual challenges faced in the region.
President Trump recently appeared to soften his stance on the contentious issue of Gaza, previously advocating for the relocation of two million Palestinians to other Middle Eastern countries. His original assertion had been that he could convince leaders in Egypt and Jordan to accept the displaced population, stating, “They say they’re not going to accept... I say they will.” However, during a conversation with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, he acknowledged the failure of his persuasive efforts, revealing surprise at their outright rejections: “Well, we pay Jordan and Egypt billions of dollars a year. And I was a little surprised they’d say that, but they did.”
The president maintained his belief that his approach is the most effective solution, yet he emphasized that he would refrain from enforcing it, suggesting a pivot in the administration’s handling of the matter amid the broader contextual challenges faced in the region.
