Former U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn widespread criticism after suggesting plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring countries, including Egypt and Jordan. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his view that the Gaza Strip has been "a hell for so many years" and that Palestinians would benefit from living in "safer and more comfortable areas."

Trump announced he would discuss the matter "very soon" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, although no specific date was provided. The former president avoided addressing the two-state solution directly, leaving questions about his stance on Palestinian statehood unanswered.

This comes amidst a fragile six-week ceasefire in Gaza, intended to facilitate the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Trump’s remarks about displacing Gaza’s population have sparked outrage across the Arab world, with critics accusing him of undermining Palestinian sovereignty and advocating ethnic cleansing.

The ceasefire has brought temporary relief to Gaza, where nearly 2.4 million residents have faced displacement following Israel’s military campaign. As negotiations continue for the release of remaining hostages and plans for Gaza's reconstruction, Trump's controversial statements risk exacerbating tensions in the region.

The suggestion to relocate Palestinians raises concerns about the long-term implications for regional stability and the viability of any peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.