WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Saturday proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, a controversial suggestion that contrasts with the policy of the former Biden administration.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Miami, Trump said he raised the issue during a telephone conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan.

He added that he planned to discuss the matter with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday.

"I told him [King Abdullah] that I'd like you to take on more because Gaza is a mess, a real mess," Trump said.

"I'd like Jordan to take people, and I'd like Egypt to take people. I’ll talk to Gen. Al-Sisi tomorrow. You're talking about a million and a half people. We just clean out that whole thing."

Trump described Gaza as "a demolition site," claiming, "Almost everything is destroyed, and people are dying there. I’d rather get involved with some Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can live in peace for a change. It could be temporary or it could be long-term."

This relocation idea has drawn criticism, as the Biden administration had opposed similar proposals, emphasizing the importance of allowing Gazans to return to their homes in the context of a peace agreement and a two-state solution.

The humanitarian toll in Gaza has been staggering, with more than 47,000 Palestinians killed —most of them women and children— and over 111,000 injured since October 7, 2023. A ceasefire, in place since January 19, has brought temporary relief to civilians in the besieged enclave, but Trump expressed doubts about its sustainability.

"It's not our war; it's their war. I think they are very weakened on the other side," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office earlier in the week.

Commenting on the state of Gaza, Trump said, "I looked at a picture of Gaza. It’s like a massive demolition site. That place... it needs to be rebuilt differently. Gaza is a phenomenal location by the sea, with the best weather and great potential. Some beautiful things could be done with it, but it’s in ruins now." — Agencies