Spain, France reject Trump's plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza
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Spanish and French leaders have strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza's residents to neighboring Arab countries, calling it a violation of international law.
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Displaced Palestinians walk on a road to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, January 28, 2025. (AP)
Spanish and French leaders have firmly opposed US President Donald Trump's controversial suggestion to relocate Gaza’s residents to neighboring Arab countries, calling the proposal a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
During an interview on Euronews' program The Europe Conversation, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares addressed Trump’s remarks, which included a suggestion to "cleanse" the Gaza Strip by resettling its population in Jordan and Egypt. Both nations have already dismissed the idea.
"Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and the people who live there," Albares said, emphasizing that "the Palestinians living in Gaza must remain there, and we must help them rebuild their lives." He added, "Of course, we must monitor violent settlers who are killing innocent Palestinians in the West Bank. Illegal settlements are against international law and have been condemned repeatedly by the United Nations."
Albares also reaffirmed the importance of supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides vital services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and across the region. He called on the European Union to contribute to Gaza's reconstruction and provide political backing to Palestinian communities.
"We need to first address their immediate humanitarian needs," he noted. "Second, we must support UNRWA, a crucial UN organization not just for Gaza but also for Palestinian refugees across the region. Third, we must assist with reconstruction and provide political support as soon as possible."
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also weighed in, stating that any forced displacement of Gaza’s population would constitute a severe breach of international law.
"Any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza is unacceptable," he remarked. "This step would represent a serious violation of international law."
Tensions over UNRWA
Trump's remarks follow reports of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza after more than a year of genocide. The Financial Times on Tuesday reported that Trump could use financial aid as leverage to pressure Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians.
Meanwhile, "Israel" has demanded that UNRWA end its operations and vacate its facilities in occupied al-Quds by January 30.
The agency currently supports millions of Palestinian refugees in the region by providing education, healthcare, and other essential services, particularly in Gaza, where it plays a critical role in sustaining daily life for much of the population.
Earlier today, UNRWA's chief, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that halting the agency's activities could destabilize the fragile Gaza ceasefire and severely hamper efforts to rebuild the devastated Strip.
"In two days, our operations in the occupied Palestinian territory will be crippled, as legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset takes effect," he said. "At stake is the fate of millions of Palestinians, the ceasefire, and the prospects for a political solution that brings lasting peace and security."
