Washington: US President Donald Trump has called on Egypt and Jordan to take in more Palestinian refugees from Gaza, urging them to "clean out" the area, which he described as being devastated due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Trump discussed the situation in Gaza and the possibility of Jordan and Egypt hosting more refugees. “He’s a friend of mine. I know him very well. I’ve gotten along with him over the years very well. He’s done a wonderful job. He really houses, you know, millions of Palestinians, and he does it in a very humane way,” Trump said of King Abdullah II. Trump added, “I said to him, I'd love you to take on more [Palestinian people from Gaza]. I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. I’d like him to take people. I’d like Egypt to take people.”
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Plans to involve Egypt in refugee relocation
Trump also mentioned his intention to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, hoping Egypt would also accept refugees. “I’d like Egypt to take people. I’d like Jordan to take people. You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing," Trump said, noting the significant challenges the Gaza Strip faces.
Describing Gaza as a "demolition site," Trump expressed his concerns about the dire situation for its residents. “It is literally a demolition site right now, almost everything's demolished, and people are dying there. I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace.”
Trump proposed that the housing for displaced Palestinians could either be temporary or long-term, depending on the situation. This proposal is part of his broader strategy to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the war.
Conflict background, impact
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel's military campaign has led to over 47,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have also been killed in the ongoing combat.
Additionally, Trump announced that he had lifted a hold placed by the Biden administration on the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. “A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!” Trump stated on Truth Social, confirming that the long-awaited shipments were now being delivered to Israel.
Biden had previously halted the deliveries in May 2024, aiming to prevent Israeli military forces from advancing into the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Agency
Published: 26 Jan 2025, 09:27 am IST
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