As U.S. President Donald Trump meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Palestinians in Gaza have strongly rejected any proposals for relocation, vowing to remain on their land despite the devastating impact of 15 months of war.
Palestinians Defy Calls for Relocation
Trump’s suggestion that Gazans relocate to Egypt or Jordan has sparked outrage, with many viewing it as an attempt to erase their homeland. The president’s remarks about “cleaning out the whole thing” have only fueled further resentment.
“Trump thinks Gaza is a pile of garbage—absolutely not!” said Hatem Azzam, a 34-year-old resident of Rafah. “He wants to force Egypt and Jordan to take in migrants, as if they were his personal farm.”
Egypt and Jordan have both rejected the proposal, affirming that Palestinians must not be forcibly displaced.
A Meeting That Could Reshape the Middle East
As Trump and Netanyahu discuss Gaza’s future, many fear the talks will focus on displacement rather than rebuilding.
“Trump and Netanyahu must understand that we are deeply rooted in this land,” said Ihab Ahmed, a 30-year-old Gazan. “Even if we live in tents and on the streets, we will stay.”
The memory of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled from their homes during Israel’s creation, still lingers. Many in Gaza fear history is repeating itself.
Fears of Forced Displacement Grow
Raafat Kalob, standing in front of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, fears the Trump-Netanyahu meeting will set plans in motion to redraw Gaza’s future without its people.
“I expect Netanyahu’s visit will lead to more efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians,” he said. “I hope this plan does not succeed.”
Despite the destruction, many remain hopeful. Majid al-Zebda, a father of six who lost his home, believes Trump will pressure Netanyahu to end the war permanently.
“We are the owners of this land; we have always been here, and will always be. The future is ours,” he declared.
