Inside Air Force One: President Trump’s Perspective on Palestinian Refugees

While traveling aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump articulated his vision for addressing the plight of Palestinian refugees escaping the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip. He proposed that countries like Jordan and Egypt should enhance their efforts to accept a considerable number of these refugees, suggesting that such a move could help “clean out” the conflict-ridden area and pave the way for a new beginning.

During a 20-minute dialogue with reporters on Saturday, Trump also revealed that he had removed the previous administration’s restrictions on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. This significant decision could shift the dynamics in the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hamas, which is currently under a precarious ceasefire.

“We released them today,” Trump said regarding the bomb shipments. “They’ve been waiting for them for a long time.” When probed about his reasoning for lifting the ban, he simply stated, “Because they bought them.”

Trump has consistently portrayed himself as a strong ally of Israel. Discussing his broader strategy for Gaza, he mentioned having spoken earlier that day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and expressed his intention to engage with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the following day.

“I’d like Egypt to take people, and I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump noted. “We’re talking about potentially a million and a half individuals; we could essentially clear out the entire region.”

He praised Jordan for its past efforts to welcome Palestinian refugees and expressed hope that the nation would consider accepting even more. “I’m looking at the Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a disaster. A real disaster,” he remarked.

Such a substantial displacement raises questions about Palestinian identity and their historical ties to Gaza. Nevertheless, Trump pointed out that the region has faced numerous conflicts over time, hinting that resettlement could be either temporary or long-lasting.

“Something has to change,” Trump asserted. “It’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything is in ruins, and people are suffering.” He added, “I’d prefer to work with some Arab nations to build housing in a different location, allowing them to perhaps enjoy a peaceful life for a change.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment to bolster Israel’s defense resources. However, he did not comment on Trump’s proposals regarding Palestinian refugees.

On the other hand, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed his country’s unwavering rejection of the suggested relocation of Palestinians.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close confidant of Trump, was asked on CNN’s “State of the Union” about the implications of Trump’s comments on Palestinians. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure what he meant,” Graham admitted, highlighting the impracticality of relocating all Palestinians.

“The idea that all the Palestinians are going to leave and go elsewhere doesn’t seem very practical,” Graham stated. Nonetheless, he encouraged Trump to persist in discussions with Middle Eastern leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and officials from the UAE and Egypt.

“I’m not sure about his comments. But reaching out to MBS, the UAE, and Egypt is crucial. What are their plans for the Palestinians? Do they envision them all leaving?” Graham questioned.

Trump has previously shared unconventional ideas about Gaza’s future. Upon his inauguration, he remarked that Gaza “needs to be rebuilt differently.”

He noted, “Gaza is fascinating. Its location by the sea, combined with great weather, presents opportunities for beauty, but it’s incredibly complex.”

The renewed bomb deliveries signify a shift from former President Joe Biden’s policy, which had halted these shipments in May to prevent a major Israeli offensive in southern Gaza’s Rafah. A month later, Israel did seize control of the city, but by that time, most civilians had already evacuated.

“Civilians have suffered in Gaza due to those bombs and the methods used to target population centers,” Biden stated in May when he imposed the hold on the weapons. “I made it clear that if they advanced into Rafah, I wouldn’t supply the weapons typically used there.”

Biden’s restrictions also delayed the delivery of 1,700 500-pound bombs scheduled as part of the same shipment, although those eventually made their way to Israel.

Trump’s latest actions come during the initial phase of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has temporarily stopped hostilities and led to the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

Serious negotiations for the more complex second phase of the agreement, aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and establishing lasting peace, have yet to be initiated.

Should the remaining hostages not be released, the Israeli government has warned that it may resume military actions against Hamas, which launched a significant assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

—Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press reporter Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.