Hamas has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to backtrack on a controversial proposal suggesting the permanent displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The initial plan had attracted significant criticism from various international and regional actors.
Speaking on the development, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated, “If U.S. President Trump’s statements represent a retreat from any idea of displacing the people of the Gaza Strip, they are welcomed.” He also urged the U.S. administration to avoid aligning itself with “the vision of the extreme Zionist right.”
President Trump’s remarks came during a meeting at the White House with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, where he addressed concerns regarding the displacement plan. Clarifying his position, Trump asserted, “Nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza.”
The proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza had faced widespread opposition from Palestinian leadership and regional powers. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas previously condemned the plan, affirming, “We will not allow the rights of our people […] to be infringed on,” while stressing that Gaza is “an integral part of the State of Palestine.”
Egypt and Jordan also voiced their disapproval, with Egypt promoting an alternative plan focusing on Gaza’s reconstruction and Jordan refusing to accept displaced Palestinians.
Global reactions have been largely critical. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the resettlement plans as “unacceptable,” and Russia’s foreign ministry labeled Trump’s initial statements as “shocking,” warning that they could escalate tensions in the region.
Following Trump’s clarification, Hamas has called for further steps to solidify the U.S. position. Qassem emphasized the need to “obligate the Israeli occupation to implement all the terms of the ceasefire agreements.”
This issue remains a central point in international diplomatic discussions, particularly in the wake of the Israel–Hamas war that began in October 2023. Efforts to reconcile Palestinian factions have gained momentum, with Hamas and Fatah holding talks aimed at unifying their positions.
Notably, a meeting in Beijing in July 2024 under China’s mediation resulted in a joint statement advocating for Palestinian unity.
