Statements made by US President Donald Trump, in which he denied any plans to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, have been met with approval from Egypt, Hamas, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
During a press interaction at the White House on Wednesday, Trump dismissed concerns about potential displacement, asserting, “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians.” His remarks followed growing speculation over alleged plans to relocate Gaza’s residents to neighboring countries, an idea that has sparked widespread international condemnation.
Egypt, which has been actively involved in mediating truce negotiations between Hamas and Israel alongside the US and Qatar, welcomed Trump’s words as a positive step. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry released a statement praising the stance, describing it as an opportunity to advance peace efforts.
Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, also responded positively. Spokesman Hazem Qassem called Trump’s remarks a “clear retreat” from earlier US discussions about potential population transfers.
The PLO, a leading Palestinian political body that excludes Hamas, echoed this sentiment. Hussein Al Sheikh, the secretary-general of the organization, expressed appreciation on social media, emphasizing that Trump had affirmed Gaza’s residents would not be required to leave their homeland.
The idea of expelling Palestinians from Gaza has been widely rejected, including by key US allies. In response, an alternative plan led by Egypt and backed by the Arab League has been proposed. This initiative, which has also gained the support of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, focuses on rebuilding Gaza under the governance of the Palestinian Authority rather than forcing its residents to relocate.
While Trump’s latest remarks signal a potential shift in the US position, the situation remains complex, with global attention focused on how these statements will translate into policy actions in the region.