Trump Gaza plan mirrors Israeli efforts to wipe out Palestinians: Iran
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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei condemns Trump's plans as being akin to Netanyahu’s ethnic cleansing efforts, labeling them an attempt to "wipe out" the Gaza Strip.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, undated (IranPress)
Iran strongly rejects US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denouncing the plan as a continuation of Israeli efforts to "wipe out" the Palestinian people.
Trump suggested on Tuesday that the US would take control of the devastated Gaza Strip, developing it economically after relocating Palestinians to other countries, a move that would significantly shift US policy on the Palestinian cause.
Baghaei condemned the proposal on social media, calling it part of the "Zionist regime's plan" to eliminate Palestinians, and emphasized that it was categorically opposed due to its violation of international law and human rights. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the proposal as a "remarkable idea," believing it could create "a different future for everyone."
He further urged the United Nations Security Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to adopt a strong position against the plan, calling for a clear and explicit rejection of Trump’s proposal.
In a separate statement to Reuters on Wednesday, a senior Iranian official made clear that Tehran opposes the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and considered this issue separate from ongoing discussions with the US on potential sanctions relief in exchange for limiting Iran’s nuclear program.
'Everybody loves it,' Trump says on Gaza ethnic cleansing plan
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday stood by his controversial suggestion that the United States assume control of the Gaza Strip, dismissing international criticism and insisting that the plan has been well received.
"Everybody loves it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about the overwhelmingly negative reaction from Palestinians, Middle Eastern leaders, and global governments. However, he declined to elaborate further, stating that it was "not the right time" for discussion as he was presiding over the swearing-in of the new US Attorney General, Pam Bondi.
Trump's plan, which envisions displacing Gaza's Palestinian residents to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, has been widely condemned by international leaders. Critics, including Palestinian officials, human rights groups, and foreign governments, argue that forced displacement violates international law and would escalate tensions in the region.
Middle Eastern governments, including Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have firmly rejected the proposal. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi declared that his country would not participate in the forced removal of Palestinians, while Egypt dismissed the plan over concerns about demographic and security implications. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also distanced themselves from the proposal, reiterating that any resolution should align with existing peace frameworks.
