The Hamas movement has welcomed recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, which appear to backtrack on his earlier proposal for the forced displacement of Gaza’s population. During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Trump stated, “No one is expelling any Palestinians,” marking a notable shift from his controversial February plan to relocate Gazans to Jordan and Egypt without their consent.  

Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson, responded positively to Trump’s comments, stating that if they signal a genuine change in stance, it is a welcome development. “We hope this position will be followed by concrete steps to pressure the Israeli occupation to fully implement the ceasefire agreement,” Qassem added.  

Trump’s initial proposal, which aligned with calls by some Israeli officials for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, had drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and governments worldwide, including traditional allies of Israel like Germany. Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman recently reiterated her support for forcibly displacing Gazans, calling it “the only solution for Gaza.”  

The Hamas spokesperson emphasised that any plans to displace Palestinians are unacceptable and violate international law. The group continues to call for an end to Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has caused immense suffering and devastation since October 2023. Trump’s apparent reversal, while cautiously welcomed, has yet to translate into tangible action to address the ongoing crisis.