President Trump has floated the idea that people in Gaza should relocate during the eventual post-war reconstruction efforts. He suggested that countries in the region could “build housing in a different location where [Palestinians] can maybe live in peace for a change.”

The suggestion met with instant pushback from Egypt and Jordan, the states Trump identified as possible destinations for the refugees. Palestinian leaders and Hamas terrorists also objected, using loaded expressions like “colonialism” and “ethnic cleansing” to describe the proposal. (RELATED: Despite $1.3 Billion in US Aid, Egypt Endorses Hamas)
Whether Trump was describing a policy option currently being studied in the interagency process, an initial bargaining position, or simply the president thinking outside of the box, the statement did generate a more expansive debate over the future of Gaza.
Clearly, the region cannot return to the status quo post-Oct. 7. That would mean putting Hamas back in control of Gaza, siphoning off billions of dollars of the inevitable international aid for their own corrupt purposes, aided and abetted by international agencies as well as terror supporters like Iran. Inevitably, the tunnels will be rebuilt, the weapons stockpiles refilled, and the violence will continue. This is what Hamas expects, and having already declared victory in this war the terrorists are now demanding to be rewarded.
However, the United States has stated that Hamas cannot lead in reconstructed Gaza. In the 20 years since Israel idealistically attempted to trade land for peace, Hamas has turned Gaza into a launching pad for war. The terrorists are violent, corrupt, incompetent, and incapable of constructing a civil society. To allow them to reclaim power would be an affront to common sense. (RELATED: Israeli Hostages Turn Humiliation into Victory)
As the president noted, Gaza has tremendous potential, based on its location, climate, beaches, and natural beauty. If rebuilt properly it could b...