A senior Hamas official has called on supporters worldwide to take up arms against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate 2 million Gazans to Egypt and Jordan.
Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Israel, and several other countries, issued the call for armed resistance on Monday. The statement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal a day earlier, suggesting that Hamas leaders could leave Gaza if they agreed to disarm in the final stages of the ongoing conflict.
Sami Azu, a Hamas official, urged global supporters to act, stating:
“In the face of this sinister plan – one that combines massacres with starvation – anyone who can bear arms, anywhere in the world, must take action. Do not withhold an explosive, a bullet, a knife, or a stone. Let everyone break their silence.”
While Hamas has signaled a willingness to relinquish governance over Gaza, the group insists that its weapons remain a “red line.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is working towards implementing President Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazans. Originally, the plan suggested the mass displacement of 2.4 million Palestinians, later rebranded as a voluntary migration initiative.
Shortly after taking office in January, President Trump suggested that Egypt or Jordan could accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. However, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian leadership, and numerous global governments swiftly rejected the proposal.
Following widespread criticism, Trump walked back his stance, stating:
“Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” and clarifying that the plan would not be forced upon anyone.
