In a significant shift from his predecessor’s policy, President Donald Trump has taken steps to reshape both the military support for Israel and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The moves, announced during a flight aboard Air Force One, include both the release of previously restricted military equipment and a controversial proposal for large-scale Palestinian relocation.
Trump releases restricted military supplies to Israel
Making his first major Middle East policy decision since taking office, Trump announced the release of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel that had been held back by former President Joe Biden. Through his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!”
The previous administration had suspended the delivery of these powerful munitions in May, specifically to discourage Israeli military actions in Rafah. Biden had explained his position to CNN, stating, “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers.”
Proposal for Palestinian relocation
During a 20-minute exchange with reporters on Air Force One, Trump outlined a controversial vision for addressing the Gaza crisis through mass relocation of Palestinians. Following conversations with regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Trump expressed interest in having neighboring Arab nations accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
“I’d like him to take people. I’d like Egypt to take people,” Trump stated, referring to discussions with both Jordan’s king and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. “You’re talking about, probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know it’s, over.'”
Trump described Gaza’s current state in stark terms, saying, “It’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished, and people are dying there.” He suggested that working with Arab nations to “build housing in a different location” could offer Palestinians a chance to “live in peace for a change.”
Regional diplomatic efforts
The announcements come as the region observes a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with ongoing negotiations for hostage releases and prisoner exchanges. Trump’s initiatives emerge during delicate diplomatic efforts to maintain this pause in hostilities, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated readiness to resume military operations if remaining hostages aren’t freed.
