President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza and take control of the region has sparked widespread condemnation both within the United States and internationally.
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested that Palestinians would "love to leave" Gaza and envisioned a long-term U.S. ownership of the territory as it is rebuilt, claiming this would bring jobs and prosperity.
The proposal has raised alarm about the potential for ethnic cleansing and further instability in the Middle East. World leaders and organizations have strongly criticized the plan, with many calling it a violation of international law and a threat to peace in the region.
Hamas' Response
Hamas has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s remarks on forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza, calling it a "recipe for generating chaos." Senior official Sami Abu Zuhri labeled the plan an "expulsion from their land" and warned that such ideas would only escalate tensions in the region.
Spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou further criticized Trump’s stance, aligning it with Israeli extreme right-wing policies aimed at displacing Palestinians and eradicating their cause.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
PLO Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh rejected any attempt to displace Palestinians from their homeland.
He emphasized the Palestinian leadership’s firm commitment to the two-state solution, as mandated by international law, as the only path to security, stability, and peace.
Palestine's UN Envoy
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, responded to Trump’s proposal by suggesting that instead of relocating Palestinians to other areas, they should be allowed to return to their homes in what is now Israel.
He reaffirmed that Palestinians wish to rebuild Gaza because it is their rightful homeland.
Saudi Arabia’s position
While Trump claimed Saudi Arabia did not prioritize a Palestinian homeland, Saudi officials reiterated their stance that they would not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The foreign ministry issued a clear rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians, reaffirming its commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
US Senator Chris Murphy's Critique
US Senator Chris Murphy condemned Trump’s plan as a dangerous and reckless proposition, warning that an invasion of Gaza would lead to the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and decades of warfare in the region.
He characterized the proposal as a "bad, sick joke."
US Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Rejection
Senator Chris Van Hollen also condemned Trump’s plan, calling it "ethnic cleansing by another name." He argued that the proposal undermines decades of bipartisan American support for a two-state solution.
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
CAIR expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s proposal, calling it a violation of international law and an affront to the Palestinian people. "Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not the United States," the group said.
"If the Palestinian people were ever somehow forcibly expelled from Gaza, this crime against humanity would spark widespread conflict, put the final nail in the coffin of international law, and destroy what remains of our nation’s international image and standing."
Russia’s Response
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against any plans to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, stating that Russia rejects collective punishment as a policy.
He expressed concern over Israeli plans to take full control of the occupied West Bank and displace Palestinians from Gaza, calling it a destabilizing strategy.
China’s Position
China’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement opposing the forced transfer of Gaza’s population.
China called for a renewed focus on the political settlement of the Palestinian issue, based on the two-state solution, and urged all parties to use ceasefire and post-conflict governance efforts to bring about peace.
Turkey’s Reaction
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan labeled Trump’s comments as "unacceptable," warning that excluding Palestinians from the equation would only lead to further conflict.
Fidan stated that Turkey would reevaluate its diplomatic stance with Israel if conditions for Palestinians improved and their killing ceased. He also emphasized that Turkey would not tolerate the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Australia’s Position
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his country's support for a two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians could live in peace and security.
However, he refrained from directly commenting on Trump’s remarks, choosing instead to focus on Australia’s broader stance. "We’ve supported a ceasefire, we’ve supported hostages being released, and we’ve supported aid getting into Gaza," Albanese stated.
Amnesty International’s Statement
Amnesty International’s executive director, Paul O'Brien, condemned the proposal, calling the forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza "tantamount to destroying them as a people."
O'Brien further stated that Gaza is the home of its people, and the region's destruction has largely resulted from the actions of the Israeli government, often supported by U.S. weaponry.
This worldwide backlash against Trump’s proposed plan highlights the grave concerns about potential ethnic cleansing, further destabilization in the Middle East, and the erosion of international law.
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