Former President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Palestinians should be permanently relocated from Gaza because the region is no longer livable. While meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump suggested that they should be resettled in a “beautiful area” where they could live safely.
“You can’t live in Gaza right now. I think we need another location,” Trump said. “Over the years, it has only been a place of death.” He described the area as a “living hell” and added, “They should be settled somewhere safe, where they don’t have to worry about dying every day.”
This was the first time Trump publicly suggested permanent resettlement for Palestinians. Previously, he had proposed that countries like Jordan and Egypt take them in temporarily while Gaza was being rebuilt. However, on Tuesday, he made it clear that he believes they should not return.
“Who would want to go back?” Trump asked. “They have experienced only destruction. It’s too dangerous. Even soldiers don’t want to be there.” He insisted that it would not be safe for Palestinians to return, saying, “If they go back now, the same thing will happen again—more death.”
Many Palestinians strongly oppose the idea of leaving Gaza permanently. They see it as part of their homeland and want to rebuild, despite the war’s devastation.
Trump Welcomes Netanyahu with a Long Handshake
Trump warmly greeted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House, making him the first foreign leader to visit since Trump’s return to office. When Netanyahu arrived around 4:20 p.m., Trump welcomed him with an unusually long handshake before they went into a private meeting.
According to reports, the two leaders discussed Israel’s conflict with Hamas, efforts to counter Iran, and strengthening ties with Arab nations. Netanyahu had previously stated that their main goal was achieving “victory over Hamas.”
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz spoke about the meeting, saying, “No president has done more for Israel than Trump. That’s why Netanyahu is the first leader visiting.” He also mentioned that the U.S. is working to bring back hostages from Gaza.
Trump’s latest comments on Gaza have sparked reactions, as Palestinians insist they want to stay and rebuild rather than be forced to leave. The debate over Gaza’s future remains ongoing.
