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Trump & Netanyahu Push Controversial Gaza Relocation Plan
Trump & Netanyahu push revived plan for “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza—critics slam it as ethnic cleansing. Ceasefire talks with Hamas continue in Qatar amid rising global concern.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-08
Trump & Netanyahu Push Controversial Gaza Relocation Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a private dinner meeting at the White House on Monday, where both reiterated their controversial vision of enabling the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza—a proposal widely condemned as a form of ethnic cleansing.

The meeting came as indirect talks mediated by Qatar between Israel and Hamas entered a critical phase. Proposals are on the table for a 60-day ceasefire, involving phased hostage-prisoner exchanges and partial Israeli troop withdrawals.

“We’re working with the United States very closely about finding countries that will seek to realise what they always say—that they wanted to give the Palestinians a better future,” said Netanyahu. “It shouldn’t be a prison… if they want to leave, they should be able to leave.”

Trump echoed this sentiment, referring to “great cooperation” from neighboring countries and suggesting something “good” was underway, potentially alluding to his earlier remarks about transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East.”

The remarks have drawn harsh criticism from analysts and former diplomats.

“This is not a practical plan—it’s dangerous and destabilizing,” said former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas, warning that these ideas, even if rhetorical, could “ensure that no [post-war] agreement in Gaza is durable.”

❗ Ceasefire Talks at a Crossroads

While Trump expressed optimism that a deal could be reached this week, Netanyahu remained guarded, rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state and reaffirming Israel’s intention to maintain “security control” over Gaza indefinitely.

Hamas has rejected any deal short of a full Israeli withdrawal and permanent end to the war, while Israel insists on Hamas’s surrender and disarmament, which Hamas refuses.

🏅 Optics & Nobel Hopes

During the dinner, Netanyahu handed Trump a letter supporting his Nobel Peace Prize nomination, which Trump gratefully accepted. The move, seen as symbolic, aimed to reinforce Trump’s diplomatic image amid growing scrutiny over his foreign policy stances.

Trump also revealed plans for renewed nuclear talks with Iran, claiming Tehran had reached out following U.S.-Israel strikes during the recent Israel-Iran conflict.

🌍 International Response & Warnings

Al Jazeera's Phil Lavelle reported from Washington that the meeting was more about optics than substance, aimed at shoring up domestic support for Netanyahu and burnishing Trump’s international credentials ahead of the U.S. elections.

The ongoing relocation discourse, involving consulting firms like the Boston Consulting Group, is seen by many as unrealistic and inflammatory, with human rights experts warning of potential violations of international law.

 
Tagged:

GazaCrisis

PalestinianRights

EthnicCleansing

TrumpNetanyahu
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