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Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
Timeline: Trump's remarks on the forcible transfer of Palestinians in Gaza
US President Donald Trump has proposed several startling, jaw-dropping and illegal policy proposals concerning the fate of Palestinians in Gaza since returning to the White House earlier this year. His most outlandish proposal, which is aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from the enclave, is illegal under international law, a war crime and a crime against humanity. Since Israel declared war on the enclave, the overwhelming majority of Gaza's population have been displaced multiple times, and more than 57,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed. Throughout the 20-month-war, Israeli politicians have repeatedly called for the forcible transfer of Palestinians to neighbouring and at times third states, something rights organisations have condemned as support for ethnic cleansing. Here, Middle East Eye takes a look at each of Trump's policy proposals on Gaza. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters 15 January: Trump's first mention of a captive deal and a ceasefire agreement Five days before returning to the White House, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that a hostage deal was underway. 'WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!' Shortly after, he also announced that a ceasefire agreement was in place, brokered by Steve Witkoff, who at the time was the incoming Middle East envoy, as Trump had not yet been sworn into office. 'We're going to take it. We're going to hold it. We're going to cherish [Gaza]' - US President Donald Trump 'This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones. 'With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World! 'We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!' 25 January: Trump suggests displacing Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring countries, and 'clean out that whole thing' Just days after becoming president, Trump first touts that Jordan and Egypt should take in Palestinians from Gaza. "I'd like Egypt to take people, and I'd like Jordan to take people [from Gaza]," Trump said, adding he spoke that day with Jordan's King Abdullah. "It's literally a demolition site ... so I'd rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they (Palestinians) can maybe live in peace for a change. We just clean out that whole thing." 27, 30 and 31 January: Trump reiterates plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians Trump reiterated his plan for Palestinian displacement on 27, 30 and 31 January. He said he expected Egypt and Jordan to agree to it despite their rejection of the proposal. 'I think he (Egypt's president) would do it, and I think the king of Jordan would do it, too," Trump said on 27 January. 4 February: Trump proposes permanent displacement of Palestinians Ahead of his first meeting with Netanyahu in Washington, Trump suggested permanently displacing Palestinians from Gaza, saying that Palestinians had no option but to leave the enclave because it had been ravaged by Israel's military assault, leaving tens of thousands of people both displaced and killed. Tony Blair Institute linked to Gaza plan condemned as ethnic cleansing: Report Read More » "I think they (Gazans) should get a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land, and we get some people to put up the money to build it. I don't know how they could want to stay (in Gaza)". Trump told reporters. The plan was condemned globally, with Palestinians, Arab nations, the United Nations and human rights experts saying it was tantamount to "ethnic cleansing". 4 February: Trump proposes US takeover and redevelopment of Gaza Later, on 4 February, Trump proposed a US takeover of Gaza during a press conference with Netanyahu, saying: "The US will take over the Gaza Strip... We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site". He proposed turning it into the "Riviera of the Middle East'. He said Washington would ask neighbouring countries with "humanitarian hearts" and "great wealth" to take in Palestinians. He said those countries will pay for rebuilding Gaza and housing displaced Palestinians. When asked if US troops would be sent, Trump said: "If it's necessary, we'll do that." When asked who will live in Gaza, Trump said: "I envision world people living there ... Palestinians also." 5 February: Trump aides retract some of his statements about permanently displacing Palestinians Trump's top aides walked back some of his statements about permanently displacing Palestinians and using the US military. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Palestinians should be "temporarily relocated" while Gaza is rebuilt, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Palestinians could leave Gaza for an "interim" period. Leavitt said Trump had not committed to putting "boots on the ground". 6 February: Trump walks back his comments that US soldiers are needed in Gaza Trump posted on social media: "The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. The Palestinians ... would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. No soldiers by the US would be needed!" 10 February: Trump says Palestinians have no right to return Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked Trump during an interview if Palestinians would have a right to return to Gaza under his plan, with Trump saying they would have "permanent" housing outside the strip. "No, they wouldn't because they're going to have much better housing." He added: "I'm talking about building a permanent place for them." 11 February: Trump meets with Jordan's King Abdullah On the day he met Jordan's King Abdullah II in Washington, Trump said that he would "take" and "hold" Gaza. "We will have Gaza. No reason to buy. There is nothing to buy. It's Gaza. It's a war-torn area. We're going to take it. We're going to hold it. We're going to cherish it". King Abdullah expressed his opposition to Trump's plans. Later that day, Trump was asked if he was going to withhold aid to Egypt and Jordan, which both rely on Washington for economic and military assistance. "You know, I think we'll do something. I don't have to threaten with money ... I do believe we're above that," he said. 26 February: Trump releases AI-generated video of Gaza Trump shares an incendiary AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform depicting a transformed Gaza under US control. The clip, posted without comment, is titled "Gaza 2025, What's Next?" The video faced global backlash. 7 April: Trump's second meeting with Netanyahu in Washington Trump met Netanyahu weeks after he broke the ceasefire agreement. Trump returned to his vision of a post-war exodus of Palestinians from Gaza, which Arab nations firmly rejected. "I think it's an incredible piece of important real estate," he said. "And I think it's something that we would be involved in, but you know, having a peace force like the United States there, controlling and owning the Gaza Strip, would be a good thing." "And if you take the people, the Palestinians, and move them around to different countries, and you have plenty of countries that will do that." Trump added: "A lot of people like my concept. But you know, there are other concepts that I like too, and there are some concepts I don't like". Arab leaders in March adopted a $53bn Egyptian reconstruction plan that would avoid displacing Palestinians from Gaza. Trump and Israel rejected it at the time. 1 July: Trump announces a ceasefire deal is on the cards Trump announced on Truth Social that a proposed 60-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is a possibility. 'We've had great cooperation from... surrounding countries' - US President Donald Trump 'My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Hamas announced that they were considering the deal and would like a permanent end to the war. 7 July: Trump's third meeting with Netanyahu in Washington When asked about displacing the Palestinians, Trump said the countries around Israel were helping out. "We've had great cooperation from... surrounding countries. ... So something good will happen," Trump said. Netanyahu said that Israel was working with Washington to find other countries to agree to such a plan. "If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave," Netanyahu said. "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. I think we're getting close to finding several countries." Washington has for decades backed a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians to create a state for Palestinians alongside Israel. Trump said, "I don't know" when he was asked if that solution was possible and referred the question to Netanyahu. "I think the Palestinians should have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten us. That means a sovereign power, like overall security, will always remain in our hands," Netanyahu said.
Middle East Eye
2 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Here's a timeline of Trump's comments on Gaza
After US President Donald Trump announced early in July that a 60-day ceasefire for Israel's war on Gaza was on the cards, people have been waiting with anticipation for the outcome of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week. Monday's discussions produced no reported breakthroughs, with talks expected to continue through Tuesday. Since returning to office on 20 January 2025, Trump has flip-flopped on plans for Gaza. Middle East Eye takes a look at the timeline of Trump's comments on Gaza. Trump's first mention of a captive deal and a ceasefire agreement: 15 January Five days before returning to the White House, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that a hostage deal was underway. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters 'WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!' Shortly after, he also announced that a ceasefire agreement was in place, brokered by Steve Witkoff, who at the time was the incoming Middle East envoy, as Trump had not yet been sworn into office. 'We're going to take it. We're going to hold it. We're going to cherish [Gaza]' - US President Donald Trump 'This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones. 'With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World! 'We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!' Trump suggests displacing Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring countries, and 'clean out that whole thing' : 25 January Just days after becoming president, Trump first touts that Jordan and Egypt should take in Palestinians from Gaza. "I'd like Egypt to take people, and I'd like Jordan to take people [from Gaza]," Trump said, adding he spoke that day with Jordan's King Abdullah. "It's literally a demolition site ... so I'd rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they (Palestinians) can maybe live in peace for a change. We just clean out that whole thing." Trump reiterates plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians: 27, 30 and 31 January Trump reiterated his plan for Palestinian displacement on 27, 30 and 31 January. He said he expected Egypt and Jordan to agree to it despite their rejection of the proposal. 'I think he (Egypt's president) would do it, and I think the king of Jordan would do it, too," Trump said on 27 January. Trump proposes permanent displacement of Palestinians: 4 February Ahead of his first meeting with Netanyahu in Washington, Trump suggested permanently displacing Palestinians from Gaza, saying that Palestinians had no option but to leave the enclave because it had been ravaged by Israel's military assault, leaving tens of thousands of people both displaced and killed. Tony Blair Institute linked to Gaza plan condemned as ethnic cleansing: Report Read More » "I think they (Gazans) should get a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land, and we get some people to put up the money to build it. I don't know how they could want to stay (in Gaza)". Trump told reporters. The plan was condemned globally, with Palestinians, Arab nations, the United Nations and human rights experts saying it was tantamount to "ethnic cleansing". Trump proposes US takeover and redevelopment of Gaza: 4 February Later, on 4 February, Trump proposed a US takeover of Gaza during a press conference with Netanyahu, saying: "The US will take over the Gaza Strip... We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site". He proposed turning it into the "Riviera of the Middle East'. He said Washington would ask neighbouring countries with "humanitarian hearts" and "great wealth" to take in Palestinians. He said those countries will pay for rebuilding Gaza and housing displaced Palestinians. When asked if US troops would be sent, Trump said: "If it's necessary, we'll do that." When asked who will live in Gaza, Trump said: "I envision world people living there ... Palestinians also." Trump aides retract some of his statements about permanently displacing Palestinians: 5 February Trump's top aides walked back some of his statements about permanently displacing Palestinians and using the US military. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Palestinians should be "temporarily relocated" while Gaza is rebuilt, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Palestinians could leave Gaza for an "interim" period. Leavitt said Trump had not committed to putting "boots on the ground". Trump walks back his comments that US soldiers are needed in Gaza: 6 February Trump posted on social media: "The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. The Palestinians ... would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. No soldiers by the US would be needed!" Trump says Palestinians have no right to return: 10 February Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked Trump during an interview if Palestinians would have a right to return to Gaza under his plan, with Trump saying they would have "permanent" housing outside the strip. "No, they wouldn't because they're going to have much better housing." He added: "I'm talking about building a permanent place for them." Trump meets with Jordan's King Abdullah: 11 February On the day he met Jordan's King Abdullah II in Washington, Trump said that he would "take" and "hold" Gaza. "We will have Gaza. No reason to buy. There is nothing to buy. It's Gaza. It's a war-torn area. We're going to take it. We're going to hold it. We're going to cherish it". King Abdullah expressed his opposition to Trump's plans. Later that day, Trump was asked if he was going to withhold aid to Egypt and Jordan, which both rely on Washington for economic and military assistance. "You know, I think we'll do something. I don't have to threaten with money ... I do believe we're above that," he said. Trump releases AI-generated video of Gaza: 26 February Trump shares an incendiary AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform depicting a transformed Gaza under US control. The clip, posted without comment, is titled "Gaza 2025, What's Next?" The video faced global backlash. Trump's second meeting with Netanyahu in Washington: 7 April Trump met Netanyahu weeks after he broke the ceasefire agreement. Trump returned to his vision of a post-war exodus of Palestinians from Gaza, which Arab nations firmly rejected. "I think it's an incredible piece of important real estate," he said. "And I think it's something that we would be involved in, but you know, having a peace force like the United States there, controlling and owning the Gaza Strip, would be a good thing." "And if you take the people, the Palestinians, and move them around to different countries, and you have plenty of countries that will do that." Trump added: "A lot of people like my concept. But you know, there are other concepts that I like too, and there are some concepts I don't like". Arab leaders in March adopted a $53bn Egyptian reconstruction plan that would avoid displacing Palestinians from Gaza. Trump and Israel rejected it at the time. Trump announces a ceasefire deal is on the cards: 1 July Trump announced on Truth Social that a proposed 60-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is a possibility. 'We've had great cooperation from... surrounding countries' - US President Donald Trump 'My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Hamas announced that they were considering the deal and would like a permanent end to the war. Trump's third meeting with Netanyahu in Washington: 7 July When asked about displacing the Palestinians, Trump said the countries around Israel were helping out. "We've had great cooperation from... surrounding countries. ... So something good will happen," Trump said. Netanyahu said that Israel was working with Washington to find other countries to agree to such a plan. "If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave," Netanyahu said. "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. I think we're getting close to finding several countries." Washington has for decades backed a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians to create a state for Palestinians alongside Israel. Trump said, "I don't know" when he was asked if that solution was possible and referred the question to Netanyahu. "I think the Palestinians should have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten us. That means a sovereign power, like overall security, will always remain in our hands," Netanyahu said.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Marco Rubio imposter: experts say AI deepfakes of voice and writing styles are 'dangerous escalation'
Artificial intelligence was used to impersonate the voice of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and place calls to foreign ministers and American officials, the State Department confirmed on Tuesday, raising further concerns over the growing use of deepfakes. An unknown actor pretending to be Mr Rubio created an account on messaging app Signal in mid-June, using the display name ' to contact at least three foreign ministers, a US senator and a governor, according to a memorandum first reported by The Washington Post. The imposter used AI to mimic Mr Rubio's voice and writing style. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the State Department was monitoring and addressing the situation. "The department takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard its information and continuously take steps to improve the department's cyber-security posture to prevent future incidents for security reasons," Ms Bruce said. The attempt to impersonate Mr Rubio highlights the rise of "deepfake" content, in which AI is used to manipulate media including video footage, images and audio recordings. During the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary last year, residents reported receiving deepfake robocalls from Joe Biden, who was running for re-election at the time. And in Slovakia's election last year, a viral deepfake audio recording purported to feature a candidate detailing how he had rigged the polls. When AI makes it easier to infiltrate governments, it can lead to vulnerabilities affecting national security – and it is getting harder to distinguish truth from fiction. A 2023 study by the University College London indicated that humans were unable to accurately detect more than a quarter of deepfake audio speech samples. The study was conducted in the early days of AI audio and tools that have since improved dramatically. Some of the more recent AI apps only require a few snippets of audio to closely duplicate voices to say just about anything, even going so far as to mimic the idiosyncrasies of the person speaking. As AI becomes more prevalent, however, efforts are under way to create technology that flags deepfake content. In 2022, the UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence was listed as an applicant on a US patent for a "video transformer for deepfake detection", which would consist of 'a display device playing back the potential deepfake video and indicating whether the video is real or fake". Hao Li, associate professor of computer vision at the MBZUAI, told The National last year that tremendous progress was being made with the deepfake detection technology. 'It's becoming more and more difficult to create an undetectable deepfake,' he said. But efforts to impersonate government officials might become more widespread in the months and years ahead as a result. Leah Siskind, an AI research fellow with the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said that deception fuelled by AI is a new frontier for influence operations. "This is an urgent national security issue with serious diplomatic ramifications," she said. "We've seen other instances of deepfakes of senior government officials used to gain access to personal accounts, but leveraging AI to influence diplomatic relationships and decision-making is a dangerous escalation."
