United States President Donald Trump has assured that no Palestinians will be expelled from the Gaza Strip if his administration proceeds with its contentious plan to assume control of the war-ravaged territory.
Trump made the statement on Wednesday, March 12, during a joint press briefing at the White House while hosting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Responding to a question from reporters, the U.S. leader stated unequivocally: “Nobody is expelling any Palestinians.”
His remarks follow recent comments by Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who announced plans to establish an “Emigration Authority” under Israel’s Defense Ministry aimed at facilitating the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Smotrich claimed the initiative had the backing of the Trump administration.
However, Trump appeared to distance himself from any forced displacement policy, emphasizing that the U.S. would not support the expulsion of Palestinians from the besieged enclave.
The latest development comes weeks after Trump reiterated his controversial proposal for the United States to take control of Gaza, a plan that has drawn sharp criticism and rejection from several European and Arab nations.
Trump has consistently defended his position, stating that U.S. involvement in Gaza would restore order and security in the region, especially amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas—a Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and several other countries.
Arab leaders, meanwhile, have countered Trump’s Gaza proposal with alternative regional solutions. However, these efforts have so far been dismissed by the U.S. administration.