Global leaders reject Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza
Displaced Palestinians continue to return to their homes in the north in the Nuseirat area on al-Rashid Street on February 5, 2025. (AA Photo)
European leaders on Wednesday firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and for the United States to “take over” the enclave.
The remarks came after Trump’s controversial statement during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, where he suggested that Gaza should be redeveloped under U.S. administration.
Germany, France and UK oppose forced displacement
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly condemned the proposal, stressing that Gaza, like the West Bank and East Jerusalem, belongs to Palestinians.
“Forcibly expelling civilians would violate international law and fuel further hatred,” Baerbock said. She also reaffirmed that the U.N., EU, and G7 consistently oppose Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories.
The French Foreign Ministry echoed this stance, stating that Gaza must remain part of a future Palestinian state under the Palestinian Authority’s governance.
“France reiterates its opposition to any forced displacement of the Palestinian population, which would be a serious violation of international law and an obstacle to a two-state solution,” the ministry said in a statement.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also dismissed Trump’s remarks, asserting that Palestinians “must be allowed home, must be allowed to rebuild, and we should support them on the path to a two-state solution.”
Spain, Poland and Slovenia condemn Trump’s proposal
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares firmly rejected the idea of U.S. control over Gaza, emphasizing that “Gaza is the land of the Palestinian Gazans. The Palestinian Gazans must stay in Gaza.”
Similarly, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna compared the issue to Ukraine, stating:
“You can’t decide about Palestine without the Palestinians—just as you can’t decide about Ukraine without Ukrainians.”
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon criticized Trump’s comments, calling them a “deep misunderstanding of Palestinian history” and warning that such proposals could “lead to further unrest and violence.”
International Human Rights Organizations raise concerns
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) issued a statement underscoring that forcibly transferring or deporting people from occupied territory breaches international law.
“The right to self-determination is fundamental and must be protected by all states. Any forcible transfer or deportation from occupied territory is strictly prohibited,” said U.N. High Commissioner Volker Turk.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) condemned Trump’s proposal, describing it as “a grotesque plan for mass ethnic cleansing.”
“This is a blueprint for a crime of historic proportions,” the organization stated, adding that such actions would violate the Geneva Convention’s prohibition on forced displacement.
Palestinian leadership rejects US intervention
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly opposed the plan, reiterating that “Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian land, alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
“No one has the right to decide the future of Palestinians except the Palestinian people themselves,” Abbas stated.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, also condemned the proposal, warning that it would “only pour oil on the fire” and escalate tensions in the region.
- Trump’s Gaza plan: President Trump recently proposed that the U.S. take control of the Gaza Strip and be responsible for clearing unexploded bombs, weapons and debris. He also suggested that Palestinians should be relocated to new settlements in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. Trump argued that this would be better for the displaced Palestinians.
- Trump’s remarks: During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “The U.S. will take control of Gaza, and we will take action there. We will own it and be responsible for removing all dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons, as well as clearing the wreckage.”
