Brussels (TDI): Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to evacuate 1.8 million Palestinians from Gaza and turn the region into the “Riviera of the Middle East” prompted harsh criticism from European states. The plan violates international law and hinders efforts to arrive at a two-state solution, according to leaders from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
France agreed, denouncing the plan as a grave breach of international law. The French Foreign Ministry stated that forcing the Palestinian population to relocate under American supervision would be an attack on their legitimate ambitions and a major obstacle to the two-state solution. The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Gaza’s destiny is linked with a future Palestinian state governed by the Palestinian Authority.
Similarly, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who remained unwavering in her stance, said that the displacement of Palestinian civilians from Gaza would not only be unacceptable and against international law but would also lead to new distress and new hatred. She added that the Palestinians should not be forced to accept any resolution.
Also read: Global leaders react to Trump’s Gaza Takeover
Trump’s idea was also condemned by Spain and Ireland, both of which recognized the State of Palestine last year. José Manuel Albares, the foreign minister of Spain, stated that Gaza is the land of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and they must remain in Gaza. It is an integral part of the future Palestinian state. Simon Harris, the Irish foreign minister, urged that Trump must illustrate his statement and emphasized that any displacement of Gazans would be a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Likewise, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom voiced his first notable open dispute with the Trump administration when he raised concerns about Trump’s proposal during a parliamentary debate. “Gazans need to be encouraged to rebuild and go back to their homes. As they work toward a two-state solution, we ought to support them in their rehabilitation efforts.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also voiced uncertainty, highlighting logistical concerns, and pointed out that Jordan and Egypt already turned down offers for receiving displaced Palestinians.
As of right now, there has been no official response from the European Commission over Trump’s statements.
Also read: Trump Plans US Takeover, Redevelopment of Gaza
In addition to this, Geert Wilders, the head of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands, endorsed Trump’s plan even though the majority of European politicians have firmly condemned it. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp reiterated the country’s support to a two-state solution, clarifying that Wilders’ remarks do not reflect the country’s official perspective.
Furthermore, Trump’s disputed plan has been linked to his other expansionist ambitions, including his failed effort to purchase Greenland, which was also met with intense European resistance.
