Palestinian Leaders Reject Forced Trump Formula Displacement

Palestinian leaders, including President Mahmud Abbas and Hamas officials, have firmly rejected any proposals for the forced displacement of Gazans, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion to temporarily relocate the population. Trump’s remarks, which included discussions with Jordanian and Egyptian officials, have sparked widespread condemnation from Palestinian groups and regional governments.

Trump’s Proposal Sparks Backlash
During a media briefing, Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” and suggested that its residents be moved elsewhere, either temporarily or permanently. “We just clean out that whole thing,” he stated, referencing Gaza’s 2.4 million people. He proposed Jordan and Egypt as potential hosts for displaced Palestinians, an idea swiftly denounced by both nations.

President Abbas, speaking from the West Bank, condemned any plans for displacement, reaffirming that Palestinians would not abandon their homeland. “Our people will not be driven from their land under any pretext,” his office declared.

Hamas leader Bassem Naim dismissed Trump’s remarks as part of longstanding efforts to erase Palestinian identity. “We have resisted such attempts for decades, and we will continue to do so,” he said. Meanwhile, the Arab League warned against what it termed “ethnic cleansing,” stating that any attempt to remove Palestinians from Gaza would violate international law.

Ceasefire Tensions Escalate
Amid diplomatic disputes, tensions on the ground remain high as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to face challenges. Under the truce agreement, Israel was supposed to allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza through the Netzarim Corridor. However, Israeli authorities blocked the movement, citing Hamas’s failure to release a civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud, who was expected to be freed in the latest exchange.

Crowds of displaced Palestinians, many carrying their belongings, gathered near the corridor, desperate to return home. “We have suffered for over a year,” said one displaced resident, Nadia Qasem. Another, Fadi al-Sinwar, expressed frustration, saying, “The fate of millions is being decided over a single person.

The situation escalated when Israeli forces fired on Palestinians attempting to return north, killing two and injuring at least nine others, according to local health officials. The Israeli military claimed it had fired warning shots to deter “suspicious individuals approaching the troops.”

Hostage-Prisoner Swap Continues Amid Dispute
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers on Saturday, while Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli officials accused Hamas of violating the agreement by not releasing Yehud in the latest swap. Hamas countered by accusing Israel of breaching the deal by preventing civilians from returning to their homes.