On February 4, 2025, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip and rebuild it after relocating Palestinian residents. This suggestion has sparked widespread condemnation from leaders across Europe, the Middle East, and various international organizations.
Trump’s proposal, lacking in detail regarding the process of relocation, has been met with fierce opposition. Many global leaders emphasized the importance of a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the region. The European Union (EU) reiterated its commitment to this solution, asserting that Gaza is an integral part of a future Palestinian state. An EU spokesperson stated, “We believe that the two-state solution is the only route to long-term peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on the issue. Following a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, both leaders condemned any attempts at forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, labeling such actions as serious violations of international law and obstacles to the two-state solution.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued a statement stressing that any solution regarding Gaza should involve consultations with the Palestinian people. She highlighted that moving Palestinian civilians from Gaza would not only violate international law but also lead to new suffering and resentment among the population. “The two-state solution remains the only solution that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security, and dignity,” she added.
Middle Eastern governments have similarly rejected Trump’s proposal, calling it a violation of international law. The Arab League, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) all criticized the idea of forcibly relocating Palestinians. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved without a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated that peace is unattainable without recognizing Palestinian sovereignty, while the UAE firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinian people. In a United Nations meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against any form of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, stating that forced relocation is a violation of international law.
Global media outlets have also criticized Trump’s plan. Sky News remarked that Trump’s proposed solution for Gaza “could potentially exacerbate the conflict,” while the BBC underscored that the plan contradicts international law. CNN described Trump’s Gaza proposal as “one of the strangest ideas in the history of U.S. Middle East peace efforts.”
Despite Trump’s threats to take control of Gaza, humanitarian organizations continue to operate in the region, providing assistance to those affected by ongoing conflicts. The United Nations has ramped up efforts to deliver aid to the most vulnerable populations, including those displaced by violence.
In conclusion, the global reaction to Trump’s proposal for U.S. control of Gaza has been overwhelmingly negative. Leaders from various nations and organizations have voiced their commitment to the two-state solution as the only feasible means of achieving lasting peace. As tensions in the region remain high, it is clear that any moves toward a resolution must prioritize the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people while ensuring security for all involved. The path forward requires careful diplomacy and a commitment to international law to foster a just and enduring peace in the region.
