Jordan rejected a proposal from US President Donald Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, deeming it unacceptable.

According to a foreign news agency, President Trump presented a proposal on Saturday during a press briefing, stating, “I wish for Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab countries to provide refuge to more Palestinians living in Gaza.”

Speaking to journalists, Trump referred to Gaza as a “devastated area” and remarked that Jordan and Egypt should accommodate more Palestinians from the war-ravaged region to facilitate the creation of a distinct residential plan with Arab nations, where Palestinians could live peacefully.

Trump further commented, “We are discussing the relocation of 1.5 million people to stabilise the region, and this step could be temporary or long-term.”

The US President disclosed that he had spoken to Jordan’s King Abdullah over the phone and requested refuge to be provided to Palestinians. He planned to make a similar appeal to Egyptian President El-Sisi on Sunday.

An Israeli finance minister welcomed Trump’s plan, describing it as “an excellent idea,” while Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement, categorically rejected the proposal.

Hamas leader Bassem Naeem declared, “Palestinians will never accept any such offer or solution.”

He added, “Palestinians have the capability to rebuild Gaza better than before, provided that its blockade is lifted.”

Jordan’s response to Trump’s statement

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi dismissed the proposal, reiterating his country’s unwavering stance.

He stated, “Our position on rejecting the expulsion of Palestinians in any form is strong and steadfast. Palestinians should not be displaced from their homeland.”

Safadi further emphasised that peace in the region could only be achieved through a two-state solution. “We will continue to support efforts for peace in the region and look forward to working with the new US administration,” he added.

Hamas leader Mohammed Nazzal’s reaction

Hamas leader Mohammed Nazzal also responded to Trump’s statement, rejecting the plan to displace Palestinians.

He criticised the US administration for endorsing Israeli schemes and called for an immediate end to such proposals.

“Our demand is for a free Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” Nazzal asserted. “Pressure must be exerted on Israel to restore normal conditions in Gaza.”

He urged Arab and Islamic nations to denounce the idea of Palestinian relocation and assist their Palestinian brothers. He also appealed for immediate action to curb Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Nazzal affirmed, “Despite Israeli aggression, Palestinians remain resolute. They have refused to surrender to Zionist forces, and any measures that contradict the rights of the Palestinian people will not be accepted.”