On the Judging Freedom podcast, Max Blumenthal delves into the implications of Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric regarding Gaza, where he suggests forcibly relocating two million Palestinians to Egypt’s Sinai Desert and Jordan. This controversial plan, framed as a "peaceful" resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, threatens to destabilize the Middle East further and faces significant opposition from Arab leaders already strained by regional tensions.
Blumenthal highlights the immense resistance that would likely arise from Egypt and Jordan, both of which are already hosting large Palestinian refugee populations. For Egypt, the idea of absorbing more Palestinians is seen as a direct assault on its sovereignty, with many in the Egyptian elite deeply hostile to the Palestinians. Meanwhile, Jordan, long used as a "warehouse" for Palestinian refugees, has also seen large-scale protests in response to similar proposals, signaling that the population is unwilling to accept this new wave of displacement.
Despite these objections, Trump’s plan has been supported by hardline Israeli factions and billionaire donors tied to the Israel lobby, suggesting that the real motive behind the plan is to solidify Israeli control over Gaza and the wider region. Blumenthal emphasizes that this proposal is not just about territorial expansion but also about further cementing the power of a small ruling elite that has long been aligned with U.S. imperial interests.
Blumenthal critiques both Trump and Biden administrations for their shared responsibility in the devastation of Gaza, calling attention to the broader system of U.S. foreign policy that perpetuates violence and destabilization in the region. This analysis underscores the need for an alternative approach—one rooted in justice and a real understanding of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.