Trump revives Gaza forced displacement plan

US President Donald Trump appeared to reference a May survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research suggesting that 49 percent of respondents would consider leaving Gaza.

The poll, however, did not clarify whether respondents meant leaving temporarily or permanently. 

Many Palestinians have repeatedly warned that departure could mean permanent exile, given Israel’s long record of denying the right of return. Those fears have intensified amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and tightening control over population movement.

Trump previously floated the idea of mass displacement from Gaza in February, a proposal widely condemned as ethnic cleansing, before later stepping back from the position.

Speaking again on the issue, he said: “I’ve always said it. I said, if they were given the opportunity to live in a better climate, they would move. They are there because they sort of have to be.”

He added: “I think it would be a great opportunity, but let’s see if that opportunity presents itself. But we’re helping the people of Gaza a lot.”