Global outrage over Trump’s Gaza displacement proposal

International criticism is growing in response to US President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza.

France

France’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s proposal to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza. It labeled the plan a severe violation of international law and an assault on Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations.

The ministry emphasized that such actions could destabilize the region, particularly affecting neighboring Egypt and Jordan. France reiterated that Gaza’s future should align with a future Palestinian state governed by the Palestinian Authority, while also opposing 'Israeli' settlement expansions and unilateral annexation of the West Bank.

United Kingdom

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the necessity for Palestinians to live and thrive in their homeland. He highlighted that the UK remains committed to ensuring Palestinians have the opportunity to prosper in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Scotland

Scottish First Minister John Swinney described Trump’s proposal as “unacceptable and dangerous.” Swinney pointed out that after months of aggression and the deaths of over 40,000 people in Gaza, any attempt to remove Palestinians from their land is indefensible.

Australia and New Zealand

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his government’s steadfast support for a "two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry echoed this position, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence between 'Israelis' and Palestinians.

China

China’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition to Trump’s proposal. Spokesperson Lin Jian declared that China opposes the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and rejects any attempts to seize control of the territory.

Trump’s controversial remarks

President Trump defended his plan, asserting that he aims to secure a permanent resettlement agreement for Gaza’s population, suggesting some countries might be open to accepting the displaced. He claimed that Palestinians have “lived through hell” in Gaza and should not return.

During a meeting with 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump praised him as “the right leader for Israel.”

Netanyahu said he supports “getting all the hostages out and meeting all our war goals — that includes destroying Hamas’s military and governing capabilities and making sure Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again.” 

“We will achieve all three,” Netanyahu said.

Trump argued that the situation in Gaza is unlikely to change, stating, “What happened in Gaza will happen again and again.” He expressed hope for finding “a suitable piece of land to build beautiful places for them” elsewhere.

The president also admitted that he has “no guarantees” the current ceasefire in Gaza—effective since January 19 after 15 months of intense aggression—will endure.