US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes temporary displacement in response to President Trump's controversial proposal for Gaza as UN Secretary-General warns against potential violations of international law.
The American administration on Wednesday sought to clarify President
Donald Trump’s controversial proposal regarding the control of Gaza, which has faced sharp criticism from Palestinians, Arab nations, and various international entities.
Following the backlash, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that any transfer of Gaza's population would be temporary.
Trump had previously articulated plans to 'rebuild the buildings' in Gaza, indicating a desire for displaced individuals to return.
The White House confirmed that Trump has not committed 'at this time' to deploying troops to the region, although he stated that 'everyone loves' his proposal, made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Trump’s comments, asserting, 'We will not allow our people's rights to be violated.'
In conjunction, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to provide a warning about any attempts at 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza during an address to the UN committee on Palestinian rights.
Trump, however, reiterated that Gazans, following a protracted conflict, could relocate to Jordan or Egypt, despite opposition from those countries.
Trump announced plans to 'take control of the Gaza Strip,' describing the area as a 'demolition site,' and he outlined objectives to enhance its economic prospects.
He expressed aspirations for Gaza to become the 'French Riviera of the Middle East.' However, the White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the US would not finance Gaza's reconstruction but would collaborate with regional partners to facilitate rebuilding efforts.
Within Gaza, many residents have returned despite widespread destruction, firmly rejecting the idea of being displaced.
One resident, Ahmed Halasa, emphasized his determination to remain, stating, 'I am from Gaza; my father and grandfather are from here.
We have only one option: to live or die here.'
Conversely, Kfir Dekel, an Israeli resident near the Gaza border, remarked that Trump's plan may be sensible due to Gaza's devastation.
Egypt has called on the Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas, to reassume control of Gaza after being ousted in 2007 when Hamas took power.
Both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron voiced their opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians, labeling such actions as a serious violation of international law, and a major destabilizing factor for neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
Jordanian King Abdullah II reiterated his rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians in a meeting with Abbas on Tuesday.
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab League have also expressed their opposition to the American plan, reinforcing the stance that Gaza is an integral part of a future Palestinian state, according to the European Union.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, highlighted that any forced transfer or expulsion from occupied territories is strictly prohibited under international law.
Amid these discussions, Israeli far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich promised to take significant action to end the prospect of a Palestinian state.
Human rights organization B'Tselem described Trump’s proposal as 'madness,' while Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, characterized it as a form of '21st-century colonization.'
Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting coincided with the announcement of a resumption of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, which initially began on January 19 and have yielded the release of hostages on both sides and the return of displaced individuals.
The conflict, which saw Hamas attack Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,210 Israeli deaths, primarily civilians.
Israeli retaliatory actions in Gaza have resulted in at least 47,518 fatalities, predominantly civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry, which are regarded as reliable by the UN.