In a move that has sparked outrage and concern across the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on February 4, 2025. This was Netanyahu’s first official visit since Trump returned to office, and the discussions revolved around the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, future regional plans, and a potential U.S. role in the territory.

While Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel, his comments about Gaza and the displacement of Palestinians have raised serious alarm bells. Let’s break down what happened and why it’s causing a global uproar.

Trump’s Plan for Gaza: A Takeover and Forced Displacement?

During the press conference, Trump floated the idea of the U.S. “taking over” Gaza to “rebuild” it, implying a long-term American presence in the territory. He went as far as suggesting that Palestinians in Gaza should be relocated to Egypt and Jordan, claiming that Gaza is uninhabitable and that “they’re going to end up dying there anyway.”

These remarks bear a disturbing resemblance to past displacement attempts, especially the Nakba of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their land. His suggestion to move Palestinians out of Gaza has been met with fierce opposition from Palestinian leaders, Arab nations, and human rights organizations.

What’s Behind This Proposal?

1. A U.S.-Israeli Vision for Gaza: Trump and Netanyahu’s discussion signals that Israel and the U.S. are looking at a future for Gaza that excludes its Palestinian population—a move that could violate international law.
2. Strengthening Israel’s Control: By advocating a long-term U.S. presence in Gaza, Trump is effectively supporting Israeli dominance over Palestinian lands under the guise of “rebuilding.”
3. Displacing Palestinians Yet Again: Trump’s rhetoric dangerously aligns with Israeli far-right leaders who oppose Palestinian self-determination and aim to push them out of their own land.

Regional Reactions: Strong Rejection from Arab Nations

Trump’s words have triggered sharp backlash from neighboring countries, with Arab leaders outright rejecting any plans that involve displacing Palestinians.

• Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi firmly rejected any suggestion of resettling Palestinians in Sinai or anywhere in Egypt, warning that forced displacement will only escalate regional tensions.
• Jordan: King Abdullah II also dismissed Trump’s proposal, emphasizing that Jordan will never serve as an alternative homeland for Palestinians and remains committed to their right to statehood.
• Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom reiterated that any solution to the conflict must include a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital—a position directly at odds with Trump’s idea.

A New Era of U.S.-Israeli Relations?

Aside from Gaza, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed:

• Ceasefire Uncertainty: While a temporary ceasefire is in place between Israel and Hamas, Trump expressed doubts about its longevity, prioritizing Israel’s demands over Palestinian suffering.
• Saudi-Israel Normalization: Trump pushed for Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel—but given Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on Palestinian rights, this seems unlikely anytime soon.
• Iran as a Common Enemy: Both leaders stressed their concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, with Trump reaffirming his commitment to sanctions rather than military action (for now).

What This Means for Palestine and the Middle East

Trump’s proposal isn’t just absurd—it’s dangerous. The idea of a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians violates human rights, fuels regional instability, and completely disregards Palestinian sovereignty.

While Netanyahu and his far-right allies might welcome Trump’s stance, it’s clear that the Arab world, international human rights organizations, and even some U.S. lawmakers strongly oppose this plan.

Palestinians have made it clear: They don’t need to be relocated—they need justice, their land, and their rights.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump attempts to turn his shocking words into policy, but one thing is certain—Palestine is not up for negotiation.