Trump’s Gaza plan sparks outrage: Hamas calls for Arab Summit, global leaders condemn forced displacement
Proposal to ‘take over Gaza’ faces backlash, with accusations of ethnic cleansing and international law violations
Demonstrators gather outside the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip to protest against a plan floated by US President Donald Trump to move Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan. Trump proposed a plan to "clean out" the Gaza Strip, and for Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinians from the war-ravaged territory. Both states have strongly rejected the idea, but on 30 January Trump again insisted that "we do a lot for them, and they're going to do it".
Kerolos Salah / AFP
US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to take over Gaza and temporarily relocate its residents has ignited a global firestorm. Facing condemnation from Palestinian leaders, Arab nations, and human rights groups, the plan has also drawn warnings from the United Nations of potential ethnic cleansing.
Hamas Calls for Urgent Arab Summit
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem described Trump’s plan as a "declaration of intent to occupy" Gaza, calling for an emergency Arab summit to confront what he labeled a "displacement project." In a statement issued Thursday, Qassem said the proposal would forcibly remove over two million Palestinians from their homeland.
Global Leaders Sound the Alarm
The plan, announced during a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, envisions the United States taking control of Gaza, a move Trump touted as a “job well done.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that any relocation would be temporary and described the initiative as a “generous offer” to rebuild Gaza. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that US involvement would exclude both military deployment and funding for reconstruction.
The United Nations swiftly condemned the plan. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that forced displacement constitutes ethnic cleansing, while rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, said the proposal marks a transition from complicity in war crimes to active participation. Iranian officials denounced the plan as "shocking" and part of a broader strategy to erase Palestinian identity.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a joint statement labeling the plan a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
Widespread Humanitarian Impact
Israel’s ongoing military offensive has already devastated Gaza, leaving schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure in ruins. More than 47,000 Gazans have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, according to Hamas-run health officials.
Hamas and Palestinian residents have vowed to resist displacement. "They can do whatever they want, but we will remain steadfast in our homeland," said Gaza resident Ahmed Halasa.
Mixed Reactions from Israel
Netanyahu, calling Trump Israel’s “greatest friend,” praised the plan as “remarkable” and a fresh approach to resolving the conflict. However, he also suggested that any displacement would be temporary, emphasizing the need to rebuild Gaza before allowing Palestinians to return.