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Trump’s Gaza Proposal Faces International Backlash
President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion for the U.S. to “take over” the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian inhabitants has sparked swift condemnation from both allies and adversaries worldwide. This proposal was made during a White House news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who appeared to endorse the vision as Trump spoke about transforming Gaza into a thriving economic hub.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump stated, elaborating on plans to clear explosives and debris while promoting economic development to create numerous job opportunities. He painted an ambitious picture of revitalizing the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
These remarks emerged amidst a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a period during which hostages have been exchanged for prisoners detained by Israel.
Reactions to Trump’s comments have been overwhelmingly negative, particularly from Middle Eastern nations. Egypt, Jordan, and other allies clearly dismissed the notion of forcibly relocating over 2 million Palestinians. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of reconstruction without displacing the Palestinian population.
Saudi Arabia also responded critically, reiterating its longstanding call for an independent Palestinian state and firmly rejecting any actions that undermine the rights of the Palestinian people. “The kingdom stresses its absolute rejection of infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” read their statement.
Support for a Two-State Solution Remains Strong
Prime ministers from Australia and Ireland, along with various foreign ministries including those of China, New Zealand, and Germany, confirmed their support for a two-state solution. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated that Australia’s stance had not changed over the years, advocating for direct negotiations.
Trump’s history of controversial suggestions, including plans to buy Greenland and annex parts of Canada, raises questions about whether his Gaza proposal reflects a serious strategy or merely serves as a negotiation tactic. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed concern, stating: “The comments last night were, of course, very concerning.” He emphasized the importance of assessing the U.S. administration based on actions rather than words.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the idea, calling it “wrong and absurd,” and warned against any form of deportation from Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the United Nations to intervene, asserting that Trump’s proposal would violate international law.
The Human Cost of the Ongoing Conflict
Hamas has also condemned Trump’s remarks as a catalyst for chaos and further instability in the region. In their view, the U.S. response is misguided, suggesting it rewards destructive actions by Israel rather than holding them accountable for violence against Palestinians.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant loss of life, with Hamas’s attack on Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly among civilians, alongside the abduction of around 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations have claimed the lives of over 47,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, according to local health authorities, who have not clarified the number of militants among the dead. Up to 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced amid the devastation.
In the U.S., politicians have swiftly criticized Trump’s proposition. Democratic Senator Chris Coons called his remarks “offensive and insane,” warning that such ideas risk portraying the U.S. as an unreliable partner globally. He underscored the irony of this proposal coming soon after Trump sought to dismantle humanitarian programs through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
There were also strong objections from within Congress, with Representative Rashida Tlaib describing Trump’s call for resettlement as a notion of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing.”
As this situation continues to evolve, the international community remains vigilant, monitoring both the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the political implications of U.S. foreign policy under Trump.
Source
globalnews.ca