U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that long-delayed arms shipments, including 1,800 MK-84 bombs, are now on their way to Israel. The shipment, previously withheld by the Biden administration, signals a significant development in U.S.-Israel relations. However, Trump’s remarks proposing the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt have drawn sharp criticism globally.
The munitions delay was initially imposed by Joe Biden in May 2023 in response to Israel’s attacks to Rafah and southern Gaza. Concerns over civilian casualties led to a diplomatic strain between Washington and Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leveraged the hold to rally support from Republican lawmakers critical of Biden’s policies. The Pentagon lifted the hold last week, and Israeli officials were informed shortly before the bombs were dispatched.
Trump, speaking on Truth Social, criticized the Biden administration’s initial decision, stating, “A lot of things ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way.” The MK-84 bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds, are expected to arrive in Israel within days.
Trump’s Resettlement Proposal Sparks Outrage
Alongside the arms shipment announcement, Trump proposed resettling Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Arab nations. Describing Gaza as a “demolition site,” he suggested relocating the population to Jordan and Egypt, claiming it would allow Palestinians to “live in peace for a change.” His comments have been met with fierce backlash from human rights organizations, Palestinian leaders, and regional actors.
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor condemned Trump’s remarks, labeling them a blatant violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits forced displacement under occupation. “The Palestinians, already victims of genocide in Gaza, should not bear the additional burden of displacement,” the organization stated. It called for a unified global stance against what it described as crimes against humanity.
Palestinian officials and resistance groups also rejected the proposal. The Palestinian Presidency emphasized, “Our people will remain steadfast and will not abandon their homeland. We reject any attempts to repeat the catastrophes of 1948 and 1967.” Hamas echoed these sentiments, calling Trump’s plan an extension of Israeli occupation policies and urging the U.S. to pressure Israel to rebuild Gaza instead of pursuing forced displacement.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
The proposal comes amid one of the worst humanitarian crises in Gaza’s history. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s offensive has claimed over 47,000 lives, most of them women and children, and left 111,000 injured. More than 11,000 people remain missing amid widespread destruction. A ceasefire agreement on January 19 temporarily halted hostilities but failed to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in late 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Palestinian groups have called on Arab and Islamic nations, particularly Jordan and Egypt, to reaffirm their rejection of displacement plans. Hamas demanded international efforts focus on rebuilding Gaza and enabling Palestinians to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Trump’s controversial remarks have drawn criticism from regional leaders, human rights organizations, and the international community. As global tensions rise, the proposal has underscored the fragile nature of peace in the region and the enduring struggle of Palestinians for sovereignty and security.
Protesters Gather in Chicago to Demand Policy Review on Immigration and Gaza
In Chicago, Illinois, demonstrators convened to protest against the policies of the Trump administration concerning immigration and the Gaza crisis. The rally, held in the heart of the city, saw participants from various backgrounds calling for a comprehensive reevaluation of U.S. approaches to these critical issues.
Protesters voiced their opposition to Trump’s controversial proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt, labeling it as a violation of international law and human rights. Chanting slogans and carrying banners, the crowd highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the plight of immigrants impacted by restrictive U.S. policies.
