“They will do it,” Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will take in Palestinians from Gaza

US President Donald Trump firmly asserted on Thursday that Egypt and Jordan will resettle Palestinians from Gaza, despite the Arab nations rejecting his proposal. Trump’s plan was widely criticised as a clear indication of ethnic cleansing.

In a statement made from the Oval Office, Trump was asked by a reporter how he would respond after both Egypt and Jordan rejected his plan and whether he would impose tariffs on the countries in retaliation.

“They will do it,” Trump said ina resolute tone. “They’re going to do it. We do a lot for them, and they’re going to do it.”

Trump’s comments came shortly after Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, a close US ally, emphatically rejected the notion of forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza.

Jordan officially rejected Trump’s plan, emphasising the sovereignty of Palestinian lands and reaffirming their opposition to any forced displacement.

Palestinians strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to "clean out Gaza" by relocating its population to Jordan and Egypt.

On January 25, Trump made the contentious statement,  one of his most provocative remarks on Gaza since assuming office on January 20. He also revealed that he had discussed the proposal with Jordan's King and planned to consult Egypt’s President soon.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) condemned the proposal, labeling it a violation of "red lines." The PA reiterated that Gaza residents would remain on their indigenous land.

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“We emphasise that the Palestinian people will never abandon their land or their holy sites, and we will not allow the repetition of the catastrophes (Nakba) of 1948 and 1967. Our people will remain steadfast and will not leave their homeland,” the PA asserted.

The authority further called on Trump to focus on ensuring a sustainable ceasefire, facilitating the withdrawal of Israeli forces, reinstating the PA as Gaza’s governing body, and paving the way for the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Hamas also condemned Trump’s remarks, accusing the US administration of aligning with Israeli “schemes” while disregarding the rights of Palestinians, who have endured brutal atrocities and displacement amid Israel’s war since October 7, 2023.

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According to the United Nations, over 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced due to relentless Israeli military offensives that have continued unabated for more than a year.

The overall Palestinian death toll since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza has reached at least 47,300 with more than 110,265 wounded. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.