In the aftermath of Israel’s military campaign, many Gazans, like Shaban Shaqaleh, saw the possibility of resettling abroad as a way to escape the devastation. Shaqaleh, whose home in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood was destroyed, had planned to relocate to Egypt. But after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a controversial plan to resettle Gaza’s population elsewhere and take control of the region, Shaqaleh changed his mind.
“I fear leaving and never being able to come back. This is my homeland,” Shaqaleh, 47, said in a message to Reuters. The ongoing destruction and lack of basic services in Gaza have left residents desperate, but Trump’s resettlement plan has sparked fears of further displacement, reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba, when Palestinians were expelled during the creation of Israel.
Trump’s proposal includes resettling Gaza’s 2.2 million Palestinians and transforming the area into what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Palestinians, however, have rejected the idea of leaving their land, with Shaqaleh calling it “completely rejected.”
Under the proposal, Palestinians would lose not only their homes but their right to return, a notion long opposed by Palestinian leadership. The idea has faced strong resistance from neighboring Arab countries, including Egypt and Jordan, who have condemned it. Both countries, which have received substantial U.S. aid, also rejected the plan due to concerns for national security and their commitment to the two-state solution.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, rejected Trump’s plan and accused Israel of violating the ceasefire deal. The militant group announced it would halt the release of Israeli hostages until the alleged Israeli violations are addressed. Trump threatened to cancel the truce if the hostages were not released by Saturday, prompting further tension in the region.
Palestinians in Gaza are not only rejecting the idea of resettlement but also struggling with the ongoing humanitarian crisis. “We are humiliated, street dogs are living a better life than us,” said Samira Al-Sabea, a resident of Gaza. “And Trump wants to make Gaza hell? This will never happen.”
As frustration grows, some Gazans, like carpenter Jehad, called for a political solution. “We don’t want to leave our country, but our leaders must find a solution,” Jehad said, highlighting the mounting pressure on both Palestinian leadership and the international community.
The proposal has added further pressure on Egypt and Jordan, who are already dealing with the consequences of past resettlement and refugee crises. Jordan, which has absorbed the most Palestinians, rejected Trump’s plan, with officials asserting that the solution to the issue must be found within the context of Palestinian self-determination.
With tensions high, Jordan’s King Abdullah is expected to meet Trump in Washington on Tuesday to express his country’s rejection of the resettlement plan.
“Jordan can never accept resolving this issue at its expense,” said Suleiman Saud, chairman of the Palestine Committee in Jordan’s House of Representatives. “Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians.”