Trump Asserts “Nobody is Expelling Any Palestinians” from Gaza, Despite Past Plan Controversy

Sajid Raza March 16, 2025

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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.

In a statement that seemed to contradict previous comments, US President Donald Trump insisted that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians” from Gaza. His remarks were made during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House on Wednesday.

The comment raised eyebrows, especially considering it came after the president’s earlier proposal to take control of Gaza, relocate its Palestinian population, and transform the region into what he referred to as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” This plan, voiced earlier in February during a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, was met with fierce international criticism. Many expressed concern that it would exacerbate Palestinian fears of being permanently displaced from their homeland.

Trump’s initial suggestion of relocating the Palestinian population had sparked condemnation from various quarters, particularly from Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf Arab states, who warned of its potential to destabilize the region.

In response to the proposal, Arab states have rallied around a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, led by Egypt, which aims to rebuild the region without displacing Palestinians. The plan was endorsed by Arab foreign ministers who met on Wednesday to discuss the next steps for the reconstruction of Gaza.

The ministers emphasized that they would continue consultations with Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to coordinate on the Egyptian-backed plan, which was also approved during the Arab League Summit held in Cairo earlier this month. The plan aims to address Gaza’s devastation without displacing its population, offering a peaceful alternative to Trump’s controversial proposal.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the meeting, confirming that the Arab League’s reconstruction efforts would serve as the foundation for rebuilding Gaza. The ministers agreed to pursue further discussions with US officials to ensure coordination on the matter.

As the situation in Gaza remains tense, these diplomatic efforts highlight the delicate balance of regional cooperation and the ongoing search for a viable solution to the conflict.