Gazans reject Trump’s call for relocation abroad

56

Like many Palestinians, Hatem Azzam, a resident of Rafah in southern Gaza, has condemned US President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting that Gazans should relocate to Egypt or Jordan.

“Trump thinks Gaza is a pile of rubbish—absolutely not,” the 34-year-old said, criticising Trump’s recent statement about wanting to “clean out the whole thing.”

Calling Trump “delusional,” Azzam accused him of trying to pressure Egypt and Jordan into accepting displaced Gazans “as if they were his personal property.”

Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected Trump’s proposal outright, as have Palestinians and neighbouring countries.

Azzam’s anger comes as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepare to meet in Washington to discuss the future of Gaza, after more than 15 months of war.

“Trump and Netanyahu must understand that Palestinians are deeply rooted in their land—we will not leave,” Azzam told AFP.

Ihab Ahmed, another Rafah resident, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Even if we have to live in tents or on the streets, we will stay.”

Recalling the 1948 war that displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, Ahmed insisted: “The world must understand this message—we will not leave.”

Raafat Kalob, standing near war-ravaged buildings in Jabalia, fears that Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump could lead to more forced displacement. “I sincerely hope this plan does not succeed,” he said.

Despite the destruction, some remain hopeful. Majid al-Zebda, a 50-year-old Jabalia resident, believes Trump will pressure Netanyahu to end the war permanently.

“We are the owners of this land. We have always been here, and we always will be. The future is ours,” he declared.