Trump: No Right of Return for Palestinians Under Gaza Plan

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that under his controversial plan for Gaza, displaced Palestinians would not be allowed to return. 

Instead, he envisions resettling them in neighboring countries, claiming they would have “much better housing.”

Speaking to Fox News, Trump described Gaza as a “real estate development opportunity” and asserted that he was committed to "owning" and rebuilding the territory. 

His proposal, which has drawn sharp criticism, involves relocating Palestinians and preventing their return, contradicting earlier U.S. assurances that displacement would be temporary.

The Palestinian Authority and Hamas rejected the plan outright, stating that Palestinian land is “not for sale.” The UN warned that any forced displacement from occupied territory violates international law. 

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s proposal as “revolutionary,” aligning it with Israel’s interests.

Trump also suggested negotiating with Jordan and Egypt to accept Palestinian refugees, despite both countries previously rejecting such proposals. 

He further claimed that international investors and other Middle Eastern states could help rebuild Gaza under U.S. oversight.

The proposal has sparked outrage across the Arab world and among international leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned it as a "scandal" and a violation of international law. 

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt also rejected Israeli suggestions that Palestinians should be relocated to other countries.

Palestinians fear a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands were displaced following Israel’s creation. 

With no clear roadmap for implementation, Trump's proposal has heightened tensions, reinforcing concerns over the future of Gaza and the wider Middle East.