Why it matters: President Donald Trump, now back in office, aims to pick up where he left off with his Middle East policies, reigniting debate over his so-called “Deal of the Century” peace plan. Trump recently proposed relocating Gaza's 1.5 million residents to neighboring Egypt and Jordan as part of a drastic new strategy.
The proposal reflects Trump’s continuation of policies heavily favoring the Israeli regime, drawing sharp criticism for ignoring Palestinian rights and risking further destabilization in West Asia.
The context:
The "Deal of the Century": Launched in 2020 during Trump’s first term, the plan recognized Jerusalem as the regime's undivided capital and proposed a fragmented Palestinian state with limited sovereignty. It also allowed Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements.
The fallout: Palestinian leaders rejected the plan outright, calling it biased. The initiative sparked widespread protests.
Trump’s new remarks:
Trump floated a controversial idea of resettling Gaza’s population in Egypt and Jordan, claiming it would allow Gazans to "perhaps live in peace for the first time."
He described the relocation as potentially temporary or long-term, accompanied by new housing developments in unspecified locations.
The big picture:
Relocating Gaza’s population would likely fuel tensions in the region. Arab countries have historically rejected permanent displacement of Palestinians, which will undermine their right to return.
Critics argue Trump’s revived approach remains focused on Israeli interests, leaving no room for a resolution to the Palestinian issue.
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