President Donald Trump denied any plans to expel Palestinians from Gaza, claiming during a press conference that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians.” His earlier proposal to relocate residents has faced strong international condemnation, particularly from Arab nations. A $53 billion Egyptian reconstruction plan has been adopted, aiming to support Gaza’s recovery amid significant devastation from ongoing conflict.
On March 13, 2025, amidst extensive international criticism of President Donald Trump’s Gaza strategy presented last month, he asserted, “nobody is expelling any Palestinians.” These comments were made during a press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, following questions about his previous statements regarding Palestinian expulsion from Gaza.
Trump’s controversial plan, disclosed during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February, suggested that the U.S. “will take over the Gaza Strip” and called for the relocation of its inhabitants to adjacent nations like Egypt and Jordan, completely prohibiting their return.
When queried about Palestinian repatriation under his policy, Trump responded, “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.” He rationalized his approach by criticizing Gaza’s condition, labeling it “a demolition site” and insisting that life there had become inhumane. However, he later emphasized that he would refrain from enforcing his proposal, deeming it a “good” plan.
International response has been overwhelmingly negative, with both Arab and European nations rejecting Trump’s vision, affirming that Gaza must remain part of a future Palestinian state within the framework of a two-state solution. Concurrently, Arab leaders have embraced an Egyptian-led plan involving a $53 billion initiative focused on the reconstruction of Gaza, with backing from European leaders.
This humanitarian plan aims to establish short-term housing solutions for many displaced Gazans within six months while ensuring long-term residence projects are completed over five years. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in more than 48,000 casualties and has displaced approximately 1.9 million people, as reported by the United Nations. The devastation includes the destruction of over 60% of homes and 65% of infrastructure, accumulating around 51 million tons of debris.
President Trump’s comments regarding the expulsion of Palestinians have sparked widespread backlash, particularly from Arab countries and European allies. Despite his plans, the broader international community emphasizes the importance of Gaza’s role in the future Palestinian state. Additionally, the Egyptian reconstruction initiative seeks to address the pressing humanitarian needs of the displaced Gazan population, highlighting the urgent requirement for effective recovery efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
