U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that his proposal for mass displacement in Gaza does not include a right of return for Palestinians.
In an interview with Fox News, partially aired on Monday, Trump reiterated his push to "own" Gaza. When asked whether Palestinians would be allowed to return under his plan, he responded, “No, they wouldn’t.”
The proposal to empty Gaza of its population has been widely rejected across the Middle East, including by Egypt and Jordan—the two countries Trump has suggested should host displaced Palestinians.
Rights groups have condemned the plan, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing.
Trump’s remarks about permanently displacing Gaza’s residents appear to contradict recent statements from his aides.
Last week, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the relocation of Palestinians would be “temporary” and that they could return after the enclave is rebuilt.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza would be temporary, assuring that residents could return once reconstruction was complete.
However, in his Fox News interview, President Trump suggested using U.S. financial aid as leverage to persuade Jordan and Egypt to accept displaced Palestinians.
"I think I could make a deal with Jordan. I think I could make a deal with Egypt. You know, we give them billions and billions of dollars a year," he said.
Trump further claimed that Palestinians would be relocated to “beautiful communities” outside Gaza. “In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future,” he added.
The proposal for U.S. control over Gaza has sparked global concern, as Washington has no legal claim to the territory. Additionally, the United Nations Charter explicitly prohibits acquiring land by force.
Meanwhile, Gaza continues to suffer immense devastation. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s U.S.-backed military campaign. The Gaza Government Media Office reports over 61,700 deaths, including thousands still missing and presumed dead.
The relentless Israeli offensive has reduced much of Gaza to ruins, but its people remain resolute in their determination to stay.
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