‘We rightfully own this land’: Views from Gaza on Trump’s suggested relocation proposal
<b>While Some Find Appeal in New Opportunities, Many Opt for Resilience Amid Uncertainty</b> Israel's contentious proposal to relocate the people of Gaza abroad—backed by US President Donald Trump yet widely rebuffed by the international community—has...
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While Some Find Appeal in New Opportunities, Many Opt for Resilience Amid Uncertainty
Israel's contentious proposal to relocate the people of Gaza abroad—backed by US President Donald Trump yet widely rebuffed by the international community—has placed the future of millions in jeopardy. Proponents tout it as an “opportunity for renewal,” while critics condemn it as “ethnic cleansing.” The initiative seeks to empty the war-torn region, offering those willing to leave a chance to rebuild their lives elsewhere.
However, with Arab and African nations firmly shutting their doors and Gazans grappling with despair and defiance, the pivotal question remains: Is this genuinely a pathway to stability or merely another chapter of displacement and uncertainty?
### Israel’s Relocation Plan
Israel is steadfast in its commitment to relocating Gazans. Recently, the Political-Security Cabinet endorsed Defense Minister Israel Katz’s plan to create a voluntary transitional administration for residents interested in moving to third-party nations, in alignment with President Trump’s vision.
Initially revealed in February during a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the initiative suggests relocating nearly two million Gazans to various countries, extracting them from the devastated territory that has been described as a “demolition site.” The proposition asserts that Palestinians abroad would discover opportunities previously beyond their grasp.
Simultaneously, the program aims to disarm and dismantle Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, which proponents believe would pave the way for reconstruction and transform the Strip into a more prosperous region.
The proposal swiftly garnered widespread condemnation. The United Nations labeled it “ethnic cleansing,” underscoring that forced relocation contravenes international law. Numerous Arab nations condemned the plan as an “injustice” that could not be supported, while several European countries deemed it “unacceptable,” with Hamas dismissing it as “ridiculous and absurd.” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri cautioned that this initiative might escalate regional tensions.
### Voices from Gaza
Within Gaza, dissent is pronounced.
“This is a ridiculous proposal without value,” stated Asmaa Wael, a teacher from Gaza City. “We rightfully own this land and deserve to live here with dignity. We were born here, grew up here, and faced every obstacle and injustice, oppression, and war. We’ve endured tremendous pressure, and we won’t abandon our home.”
The state of Gaza is dire. The territory, spanning just 140 square miles along the Mediterranean coast, has suffered extensive destruction. Since the onset of war in October 2023, nearly 70 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been obliterated. Reports indicate over 170,000 homes, 200 governmental buildings, 136 schools, 823 mosques, and various hospitals have been bombed.
The human cost is staggering, with official Hamas statistics reporting over 50,000 deaths, more than 113,000 injuries, and approximately 1.8 million people in immediate need of shelter.
Asmaa acknowledges that many within the Palestinian community face a harsh reality of living “on the streets and in tents,” yet she insists that her people possess the patience to endure.
Several other Palestinians, who wish to remain unnamed, echo her sentiments, expressing a preference to stay on their land out of skepticism that the outside world could provide anything better. Some fear that leaving could negatively affect their remaining family members, while others worry about the potential impossibility of returning.
Nonetheless, not all share this pessimism. Omar Abd Rabou, a young journalist in Gaza, sees the Trump proposal as “an opportunity for renewal and reconsideration of the Palestinians’ futures.” He suggests that relocation “may provide those who wish to change their environment with access to new resources and better opportunities,” potentially leading to personal and economic growth.
Already, a number have chosen to leave. According to Israel’s Channel 12, since October 2023, around 35,000 Gazans have departed. In March alone, 1,000 individuals evacuated, with an additional 600 new applicants seeking to leave. Israel forecasts an increase in these numbers.
Most of those who have left are Palestinians holding foreign passports or who have family abroad. For those who remain, options are limited, as Israel and the US actively seek volunteers willing to take in larger numbers.
### Challenges Finding Host Countries
Despite these efforts, no countries have officially stepped forward to accept the displaced Gazans. Jordan has agreed to admit 2,000 sick children and their families but has flatly rejected broader displacement schemes. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi canceled a Washington visit, wary of US demands to accept Gazans—an option he categorically refuses.
African nations, including Sudan, Somaliland, and Somalia, have also been approached. Sudan was offered military and reconstruction assistance, while Somaliland was promised international recognition as an independent state. Conversely, Somalia denied any discussions had occurred.
Negotiations remain stalled, despite US pressure suggesting that Egypt’s military aid could be jeopardized if it does not agree to accept half a million Gazans—an outcome Egypt is unlikely to entertain given its current economic challenges.
In recent years, Egypt has faced considerable economic strain. The International Monetary Fund downgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2024 to 3.6%, down from 4.1%, with similar downward revisions for 2025-2026. Accommodating half a million additional residents on top of its existing population of 117 million is far from feasible.
Furthermore, Cairo’s reluctance is influenced by national security concerns; the country has battled terrorism linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and fears that radical elements may attempt to infiltrate disguised as civilians.
### Divergent Perspectives on the Future
For Asmaa, the hesitation of neighboring Arab nations borders on betrayal.
“Arabs are fearful and incapable of taking meaningful action,” she laments. “They’re preoccupied with oil, agreements, and business deals. Our children are slaughtered in their infancy, and these countries respond with empty slogans because they’re not the ones suffering.”
Asmaa believes that the resolution will not arise from Gaza’s neighbors, but rather only when the war ceases and Israel’s occupation ends.
In contrast, Omar perceives the situation in a more nuanced light. Unlike many in the Strip who have adopted a militant stance toward Israel following October 7, he discusses the potential for coexistence and conflict resolution through diplomatic means.
“Resolving this conflict does not require escalation but rather a constructive dialogue. There must be room for negotiation that ensures security and rights, away from the use of force or continued escalation,” he argues.
Yet, as hostilities resumed on March 17 followed by a ground incursion shortly after, the prospect of achieving peace seems increasingly distant.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Israel's contentious proposal to relocate the people of Gaza abroad—backed by US President Donald Trump yet widely rebuffed by the international community—has placed the future of millions in jeopardy. Proponents tout it as an “opportunity for renewal,” while critics condemn it as “ethnic cleansing.” The initiative seeks to empty the war-torn region, offering those willing to leave a chance to rebuild their lives elsewhere.
However, with Arab and African nations firmly shutting their doors and Gazans grappling with despair and defiance, the pivotal question remains: Is this genuinely a pathway to stability or merely another chapter of displacement and uncertainty?
### Israel’s Relocation Plan
Israel is steadfast in its commitment to relocating Gazans. Recently, the Political-Security Cabinet endorsed Defense Minister Israel Katz’s plan to create a voluntary transitional administration for residents interested in moving to third-party nations, in alignment with President Trump’s vision.
Initially revealed in February during a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the initiative suggests relocating nearly two million Gazans to various countries, extracting them from the devastated territory that has been described as a “demolition site.” The proposition asserts that Palestinians abroad would discover opportunities previously beyond their grasp.
Simultaneously, the program aims to disarm and dismantle Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, which proponents believe would pave the way for reconstruction and transform the Strip into a more prosperous region.
The proposal swiftly garnered widespread condemnation. The United Nations labeled it “ethnic cleansing,” underscoring that forced relocation contravenes international law. Numerous Arab nations condemned the plan as an “injustice” that could not be supported, while several European countries deemed it “unacceptable,” with Hamas dismissing it as “ridiculous and absurd.” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri cautioned that this initiative might escalate regional tensions.
### Voices from Gaza
Within Gaza, dissent is pronounced.
“This is a ridiculous proposal without value,” stated Asmaa Wael, a teacher from Gaza City. “We rightfully own this land and deserve to live here with dignity. We were born here, grew up here, and faced every obstacle and injustice, oppression, and war. We’ve endured tremendous pressure, and we won’t abandon our home.”
The state of Gaza is dire. The territory, spanning just 140 square miles along the Mediterranean coast, has suffered extensive destruction. Since the onset of war in October 2023, nearly 70 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been obliterated. Reports indicate over 170,000 homes, 200 governmental buildings, 136 schools, 823 mosques, and various hospitals have been bombed.
The human cost is staggering, with official Hamas statistics reporting over 50,000 deaths, more than 113,000 injuries, and approximately 1.8 million people in immediate need of shelter.
Asmaa acknowledges that many within the Palestinian community face a harsh reality of living “on the streets and in tents,” yet she insists that her people possess the patience to endure.
Several other Palestinians, who wish to remain unnamed, echo her sentiments, expressing a preference to stay on their land out of skepticism that the outside world could provide anything better. Some fear that leaving could negatively affect their remaining family members, while others worry about the potential impossibility of returning.
Nonetheless, not all share this pessimism. Omar Abd Rabou, a young journalist in Gaza, sees the Trump proposal as “an opportunity for renewal and reconsideration of the Palestinians’ futures.” He suggests that relocation “may provide those who wish to change their environment with access to new resources and better opportunities,” potentially leading to personal and economic growth.
Already, a number have chosen to leave. According to Israel’s Channel 12, since October 2023, around 35,000 Gazans have departed. In March alone, 1,000 individuals evacuated, with an additional 600 new applicants seeking to leave. Israel forecasts an increase in these numbers.
Most of those who have left are Palestinians holding foreign passports or who have family abroad. For those who remain, options are limited, as Israel and the US actively seek volunteers willing to take in larger numbers.
### Challenges Finding Host Countries
Despite these efforts, no countries have officially stepped forward to accept the displaced Gazans. Jordan has agreed to admit 2,000 sick children and their families but has flatly rejected broader displacement schemes. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi canceled a Washington visit, wary of US demands to accept Gazans—an option he categorically refuses.
African nations, including Sudan, Somaliland, and Somalia, have also been approached. Sudan was offered military and reconstruction assistance, while Somaliland was promised international recognition as an independent state. Conversely, Somalia denied any discussions had occurred.
Negotiations remain stalled, despite US pressure suggesting that Egypt’s military aid could be jeopardized if it does not agree to accept half a million Gazans—an outcome Egypt is unlikely to entertain given its current economic challenges.
In recent years, Egypt has faced considerable economic strain. The International Monetary Fund downgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2024 to 3.6%, down from 4.1%, with similar downward revisions for 2025-2026. Accommodating half a million additional residents on top of its existing population of 117 million is far from feasible.
Furthermore, Cairo’s reluctance is influenced by national security concerns; the country has battled terrorism linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and fears that radical elements may attempt to infiltrate disguised as civilians.
### Divergent Perspectives on the Future
For Asmaa, the hesitation of neighboring Arab nations borders on betrayal.
“Arabs are fearful and incapable of taking meaningful action,” she laments. “They’re preoccupied with oil, agreements, and business deals. Our children are slaughtered in their infancy, and these countries respond with empty slogans because they’re not the ones suffering.”
Asmaa believes that the resolution will not arise from Gaza’s neighbors, but rather only when the war ceases and Israel’s occupation ends.
In contrast, Omar perceives the situation in a more nuanced light. Unlike many in the Strip who have adopted a militant stance toward Israel following October 7, he discusses the potential for coexistence and conflict resolution through diplomatic means.
“Resolving this conflict does not require escalation but rather a constructive dialogue. There must be room for negotiation that ensures security and rights, away from the use of force or continued escalation,” he argues.
Yet, as hostilities resumed on March 17 followed by a ground incursion shortly after, the prospect of achieving peace seems increasingly distant.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
