Trump Walks Back Gaza Expulsion Plan Amid Arab Push for Reconstruction
After months of promoting the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, Trump now claims that “no one will be expelled.” Meanwhile, Arab nations propose a reconstruction plan as a countermeasure.
Watan-U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that “no Palestinian will be expelled from Gaza,” addressing reports about his alleged plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from the enclave.
Trump made these remarks during a press conference in Washington alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who is on an indefinite visit to the U.S.. When asked by a reporter about his supposed plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza, Trump responded:”No one will be expelled from Gaza.”
Hamas Welcomes Trump’s Shift, Urges Enforcement of Ceasefire Agreement
In response, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a press statement that if Trump’s remarks reflect a withdrawal from all ideas of expelling Gaza’s residents, then they are a welcome step.
However, he urged Trump to follow up on this position by ensuring that Israel fully implements all ceasefire agreements and called on the U.S. administration to refrain from aligning itself with the Israeli far-right agenda.
Trump’s Past Push for Gaza Expulsions Met with Regional Rejection
Since January 25, Trump has reportedly been promoting a plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan—a proposal that was firmly rejected by both governments. Several other Arab nations, along with regional and international organizations, have also opposed the plan.
On Wednesday, in response to Trump’s proposals, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with the Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), presented a counterproposal to U.S. Middle East envoy Stephen Whitkoff focused on the reconstruction of Gaza.
Arab Ministers Propose Reconstruction Plan as Alternative to Trump’s Displacement Plan
According to a statement by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the Arab foreign ministers outlined a Gaza reconstruction plan, which was approved during the Arab Summit held in Cairo on March 4, 2025.
The statement emphasized that the ministers and the U.S. envoy agreed to continue consultations and coordination, making reconstruction the foundation for Gaza’s long-term recovery.
Gaza Faces Worsening Humanitarian Crisis Amid Escalation
These diplomatic efforts come amid an escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where intensified military aggression has exacerbated the need for urgent humanitarian aid.
The United Nations has issued warnings of an impending catastrophe, as food, water, and medical supplies remain critically scarce.
Egypt has consistently emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive political solution, which includes:
- Ending the aggression against Gaza
- Ensuring the immediate and sustained flow of humanitarian aid
- Launching reconstruction efforts with a long-term stability plan
With international pressure mounting, Trump’s apparent reversal on Gaza displacement could mark a shift in U.S. policy, but regional leaders remain cautious, insisting on firm actions rather than verbal assurances.
