Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza permanently, despite widespread criticism labeling the proposal as ethnic cleansing. Rights groups condemned the plan, calling it a violation of international law. The idea, floated by Trump during a recent speech, proposed relocating Gaza’s population and hinted at a U.S.-led rebuilding effort.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu supported the concept of voluntary relocation for Gazans. “What’s wrong with that? They can leave, they can come back, relocate and return,” Netanyahu said. He insisted the priority should be rebuilding Gaza while ensuring security in the region. However, Netanyahu clarified he did not believe Trump proposed sending U.S. troops into Gaza or financing the reconstruction. “This is the first good idea that I’ve heard,” he added, suggesting it should be thoroughly examined and pursued.
Since late January, Trump has repeatedly called for neighboring Arab countries such as Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians. Both Arab states and Palestinian leaders rejected the proposal. Trump’s aides initially defended the plan but retreated from parts of it following international backlash.
Gaza remains in a fragile ceasefire after intense conflict between Israel and Hamas. Over the past 16 months, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The assault displaced nearly the entire population and triggered a severe hunger crisis. Israel denies accusations of genocide and war crimes.
The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, according to Israeli officials.
