The proposal by former President Donald Trump to have the United States take control of the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian population has been met with widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders and Arab nations. The plan, announced during a press conference at the White House, aims to relocate approximately 1.8 million Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, including Egypt and Jordan, under the guise of creating a prosperous new region dubbed the "Riviera of the Middle East."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas firmly rejected the proposal, asserting that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine. He emphasized that any forced displacement would violate international law and undermine the rights of the Palestinian people. "We will not allow the rights of our people to be infringed upon," Abbas stated, highlighting the historical significance of the region to Palestinians.
The militant group Hamas, currently engaged in a protracted conflict with Israel, also denounced Trump’s plan, claiming it would exacerbate tensions in the region. A spokesperson for Hamas warned that such an approach would "put oil on the fire," further complicating an already volatile situation.
Regional responses to the proposal have been equally critical. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry unequivocally rejected the idea, reiterating its stance that normalization of relations with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of a Palestinian state. Similarly, Egypt’s foreign minister emphasized the importance of rebuilding Gaza without displacing its residents, countering Trump’s suggestion to resettle them elsewhere.
The backdrop to this controversy is a 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza. The health ministry in Gaza reports over 47,540 fatalities and more than 111,600 injuries since the conflict escalated. The humanitarian crisis has led to massive displacement, with many residents experiencing multiple displacements due to ongoing violence.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after a fragile ceasefire was established, during which Hamas released some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The former president’s comments marked a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as he proposed a radical approach to the longstanding issue.
Critics of the plan, including various Western governments, have expressed alarm at the prospect of forced displacement, which they argue would violate international law and hinder efforts towards a two-state solution. France’s foreign ministry condemned the proposal as a major destabilizing factor for the region, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated the importance of allowing Palestinians to live in their homeland.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Palestinian leadership remains steadfast in its refusal to accept any plan that undermines their rights and aspirations for statehood. Abbas has made it clear that the Palestinian people will not relinquish their land, rights, or sacred sites, emphasizing their commitment to rebuilding Gaza and maintaining their presence in the territory despite the ongoing challenges.