Defending Gaza relocation plan, Mike Waltz says Trump working on ‘common sense’ solutions with allies

By Jacob Magid

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4 February 2025, 9:22 pm

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Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

(L-R) US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz speak to reporters outside the White House on February 4, 2025, in Washington, DC. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

WASHINGTON — Pressed to respond to Egypt’s and Jordan’s rejection of US President Donald Trump’s call for them to take in Palestinians from Gaza, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz tells reporters that Washington expects to work with them and other allies to advance “practical solutions.”

“We’re looking to a number of our allies and partners in the region. We have to collectively solve this problem,” Waltz tells reporters outside the White House along with US envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff.

“Everyone’s heart breaks for this war that Hamas started and for what has happened to these people who Hamas was willing to sacrifice to turn global opinion against Israel, but now we have to collectively come up with some solutions,” he adds.

Waltz notes that Jordan’s King Abdullah will be visiting the White House next week and that Trump spoke on Saturday with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

“President Trump is driving practical, common sense solutions to what is admittedly a very, very difficult situation,” he says.