Trump Says Jordan and Egypt Should Host More Gaza Palestinians

The President of the United States, referring to the 'chaotic situation' in the Gaza Strip, stated that countries like Jordan and Egypt should host more Palestinians. Donald Trump spoke early Sunday, January 7, indicating that he had spoken with King Abdullah of Jordan and was set to discuss with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt. While speaking to reporters on the plane, Trump mentioned King Abdullah, saying, 'I would like him to take the people [of Gaza]. I would like Egypt to take the people [of Gaza].' The U.S. President did not provide further details on the transfer of Gaza residents to these countries, only stating that the transfer 'could be temporary or long-term'; he added that there have been 'very, very many conflicts over the centuries' in the region. Trump referred to the 'turmoil and disarray' in the Gaza Strip, adding, 'We're talking about probably one and a half million people. We just clean everything up and say it's over.' He also expressed a preference to engage with some Arab countries and suggested that housing could be built in other locations where they might live in peace. Meanwhile, Israel has accused the extremist group Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement and stated that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until one of the hostages named Arbel Yehud is released. It was expected that Ms. Arbel Yehud, a 29-year-old civilian, would be released on Saturday, but Hamas only released four Israeli military women. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the European Union, and Israeli officials have stated that the group has not prioritized the release of civilians and has violated the ceasefire agreement. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to northern Gaza until this breach of agreement is resolved. A spokesperson for the Israeli army also stated that the Netzarim crossing would remain closed until Arbel Yehud is released. The extremist group Hamas has referred to the failure to release Arbel Yehud as 'a technical issue,' and one of its officials stated that intermediaries have been informed that she will be released next Saturday. According to Palestinian officials, about 650,000 refugees have been waiting to return to northern Gaza since Sunday. The 15-month war in Gaza began after the extremist group Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages by attacking southern Israel. In response, Israel launched a military operation across the Gaza Strip, which, according to officials under Hamas, has so far resulted in about 47,000 deaths.