Europe condemns Trump's Gaza relocation plan as illegal, unacceptable
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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly rejected the idea, warning that any attempt to remove Gaza's civilian population would only deepen suffering and fuel further unrest.
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European Union flags flap in the wind ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, June 27, 2024 (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
European foreign ministers have strongly opposed US President Donald Trump's recent proposal to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, denouncing it as unlawful and unacceptable. The plan, which suggests that Jordan and Egypt absorb displaced Palestinians while the US assumes control over Gaza's reconstruction, has triggered a wave of international condemnation.
Trump, speaking on Tuesday, described Gaza as a "demolition site" and said that its population should leave. He also stated that he envisions the US overseeing the reconstruction of the territory. Critics view the proposal as a violation of international law, with concerns that it amounts to forced displacement.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly rejected the idea, warning that any attempt to remove Gaza's civilian population would only deepen suffering and fuel further unrest. "A displacement of the Palestinian civilian population from Gaza would not only be unacceptable and in breach of international law. It would also lead to new suffering and new hatred," she stated.
France's Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, affirming that no third country should take control of Gaza and that any decision on its future must align with a two-state solution. Similarly, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares rejected the notion of forced resettlement. "Gaza is part of the future Palestinian state, which Spain supports and which should coexist and get along [with Israel], guaranteeing prosperity and security for the State of Israel, for which we also want full normalization of relations with Arab countries," he said in Madrid during a press conference.
International and Regional Backlash
Beyond Europe, Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan and Egypt—both named in Trump's proposal—have outright rejected the idea. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed that his country would not participate in any forced relocation of Palestinians, while Egypt dismissed the plan over concerns about its demographic and political consequences. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have also condemned the proposal, stating that it would destabilize the region.
Palestinian leaders have fiercely opposed Trump's remarks, calling them an attack on their right to self-determination. The Palestinian Authority insisted that Gaza is an inseparable part of any future Palestinian state and warned that forced displacement would lead to long-term instability. The United Nations and human rights groups have also criticized the plan, describing it as a breach of international law and warning of its potential humanitarian impact.
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Experts have raised numerous obstacles that make Trump's proposal highly unrealistic. The logistical challenge of relocating nearly two million people, the legal implications of violating international law, and the geopolitical consequences of forcibly removing Gaza's population all stand in the way of implementation. Furthermore, the proposal risks escalating tensions across the region, particularly as a fragile ceasefire remains in place.
