U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments advocating for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza have sparked widespread condemnation from both legal experts and regional allies, with accusations of it being tantamount to “ethnic cleansing.”
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, suggested that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians be moved to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt, as part of an effort to “clean out” Gaza. He proposed that the move could be either temporary or long-term. “I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing at a different location where they can maybe live in peace for a change,” Trump stated.
However, his proposal has been swiftly rejected by Jordan and Egypt. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated the country’s firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians, a position that has been consistent throughout the region’s response to the ongoing conflict. Despite the suggestions of relocation, Gaza’s population of 2.3 million remains mostly opposed to leaving the region, especially after enduring over 15 months of warfare. Palestinians within Gaza have expressed a strong desire to return to their homes, as seen in recent protests at Israeli military checkpoints.
Legal experts have also heavily criticized Trump’s remarks. Hassan Jabareen, the director of the Palestinian rights group Adalah, called the proposal a continuation of the war through “ethnic cleansing.” The suggestion to forcibly relocate Palestinians, if carried out, would constitute a violation of international law, according to Omer Shatz, an international law lecturer at Sciences Po Paris. Shatz referred to the proposal as a call for “ethnic cleansing,” echoing the rhetoric of extreme Israeli politicians.
The reaction from Israel’s far-right politicians, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, was more supportive, with Smotrich calling the idea of relocating Palestinians a “great idea.” However, even within Israel, the proposal has met resistance, particularly from those who advocate for a more peaceful approach and adherence to international law.
The suggestion to forcefully relocate Palestinians also stands in stark contrast to Israel’s current policy, which allows some residents to return to their homes in northern Gaza under a temporary ceasefire. According to Professor Barak Medina of Hebrew University, forcibly relocating Gaza’s population would not only be illegal but also impractical, as neighboring countries, including Jordan, Egypt, and even Indonesia, have expressed their unwillingness to accept such refugees.
In the broader context, Trump’s administration has maintained unwavering support for Israel, with his recent decision to resume the shipment of powerful bombs to Israel, a move that has sparked further concern over the humanitarian impact on Gaza. Critics argue that such actions, alongside Trump’s proposed relocation plan, may exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis and hinder any prospects for a lasting peace.
As the international community grapples with these contentious issues, the focus remains on the future of Gaza and the rights of its inhabitants, with Palestinians steadfast in their determination to stay on their land.
