World reaction to Trump’s ‘take over’ Gaza plan
Donald Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza has been met with widespread condemnation internationally, with many viewing it as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
Reactions from Palestine and Hamas
Palestinian Authority: Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, stated that Trump’s calls represent a serious violation of international law and that peace will not be achieved without a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry asserted that Palestinian rights and land are not for sale or negotiation and accused Israel of obscuring atrocities against the Palestinian people.
Hamas: A Hamas official described Trump’s comments as nonsensical and indicative of profound ignorance, emphasizing that Gaza is not a commodity to be bought or sold, but an essential part of occupied Palestinian territory. Hamas also warned that Trump’s plan could threaten the fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Reactions from the Arab World
Overall Sentiment: Across the Arab world, Trump’s plan is viewed as a declaration of war.
Egypt and Jordan: Both countries have strongly opposed any forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.
Saudi Arabia: Issued a statement affirming that Palestinian statehood is non-negotiable and essential for Saudi normalization with Israel.
Impact: Trump’s proposal to have Arab states take in Palestinian refugees is seen as implicating those leaders in ethnic cleansing, which could destabilize regimes and potentially lead to revolutions in the Middle East.
Reactions from Israel
Initial Response: In Israel, reactions were a mix of confusion and excitement. While 72% of Israelis supported Trump’s proposal for U.S. control over Gaza, only 35% believed it would materialize.
Benjamin Netanyahu: Praised Trump’s proposition as innovative and transformative.
Far-Right and Ultra-Orthodox Segments: They believe displacing Gaza’s inhabitants would benefit Israel. Some, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, expressed that Trump provided a vision for Gaza’s future, suggesting those responsible for attacks would lose their land.
Concerns: Some Israeli experts worry that Trump’s aggressive tactics could also be directed against Israelis occupying illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Reactions from Other Countries
France: Reiterated its opposition to any forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
International Law Perspective
Forcible Deportation: Considered a crime against humanity, violating the Geneva Convention and the International Criminal Court statute.
Occupation: Taking control of a state’s territory without consent is considered an occupation, and using force constitutes aggression.
UN Experts: Warned that such violations by a major power would break the global taboo on military aggression, emboldening other countries to seize foreign territories and replace the rule of law with the “rule of the strongest”.
Potential Consequences
Regional Instability: Trump’s plan risks jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and could incite further conflict.
Damage to U.S. Standing: The proposal is seen as damaging to the United States’ international and regional standing.
Humanitarian Crisis: The majority of Gaza’s residents have already faced multiple displacements, and essential systems like healthcare, water, and sanitation have collapsed, exacerbating shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.
President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip and relocate its Palestinian residents has elicited widespread international condemnation. The plan, which envisions transforming Gaza into a prosperous area under U.S. administration, has been met with significant opposition from various global actors.
Arab Nations’ Reactions
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty conveyed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Arab states collectively support the Palestinians’ rejection of Trump’s proposal. He emphasized the urgency of reconstructing Gaza while maintaining the Palestinian presence in the region. Similarly, Jordan’s King Abdullah II has firmly opposed any plans that involve the displacement of Palestinians, viewing such moves as existential threats to regional stability.
European Responses
European countries, including Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have expressed strong opposition to any forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that “the land of Palestinian Gazans is Gaza” and rejected external suggestions for relocation. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin labeled such displacement proposals as “provocative” and reiterated support for a two-state solution.
International Law and Human Rights Concerns
Experts have raised concerns that Trump’s plan could violate international law, with some equating the proposed forced displacement to “ethnic cleansing.” Human rights advocates argue that the plan disregards the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and could exacerbate regional tensions.
Israeli Perspective
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for Trump’s proposal, viewing it as a potential path to regional stability. However, the plan has also sparked debate within Israel, with some analysts cautioning that it may lead to further unrest and complicate the peace process.
The international community remains deeply divided over President Trump’s Gaza plan. While some see it as a bold initiative, the prevailing sentiment is one of concern, with many viewing the proposal as a potential catalyst for increased instability in the Middle East.
