Gaza: The Gaza Strip, home to more than two million Palestinians, has long been a focal point of international concern due to enduring violence, blockades, and humanitarian suffering. Washington’s recent proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza has intensified this concern, promising further displacement and hardship instead of resolving the crisis.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip, suggesting a “long-term ownership position.” This proposal is viewed as a potential violation of international law and a misguided strategy that overlooks the need for humanitarian relief and post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza.
The proposal has drawn swift condemnation worldwide, particularly from Arab countries. Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), emphasized the PLO’s categorical rejection of any calls to displace Palestinians from their homeland. Similarly, Hamas warned that such rhetoric could escalate regional tensions and solidify U.S. and Israeli control over Gaza.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, in a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, reiterated the Arab countries’ firm rejection of the U.S. proposal. This backlash has not been confined to Arab nations alone. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan labeled the proposal as “unacceptable,” while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned against measures that could lead to “new suffering and new hatred.” France’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the forced displacement as a serious violation of international law and an attack on Palestinian aspirations.
Media reports suggest that the U.S. proposal might be politically motivated, potentially serving as leverage to extract concessions from Palestinians on territorial disputes. However, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the importance of adhering to international law in the pursuit of peace, warning that exacerbating the problem is not a viable solution.
The situation in Gaza cannot be reduced to a geopolitical bargaining chip. It is imperative for Washington to recognize this and work towards a solution that upholds the rights and dignity of all people in the region.