In a strongly worded response, both Palestine and Egypt have rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to permanently resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza outside the war-torn enclave. The proposal, which was outlined during a White House news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been met with widespread condemnation.
The Palestinian government swiftly denounced the plan, which includes the construction of new settlements for Palestinians outside Gaza, with the U.S. offering to take “ownership” of redeveloping the region into a tourist destination, likened to “the Riviera of the Middle East.” Palestinians, however, have criticized this idea as a blatant violation of their rights and a disregard for international law.
During a high-level meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Jibril Rajoub, Secretary-General of Fatah’s central committee, joined Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to voice their opposition. Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
“Egypt has consistently and clearly stated that Gaza, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem, are inseparable parts of Palestine, and this proposed plan will never be accepted,” said Abdelatty.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the United Nations to step in and protect Palestinian rights, emphasizing that Trump’s plan represents a “serious violation of international law.” Abbas further reiterated that no solution could be found without the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders.
The international community has largely echoed these sentiments. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, a key ally of Israel, also expressed firm opposition to the U.S. proposal, stating that Gaza, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem, must remain part of the Palestinian territory as a basis for a future Palestinian state.
In addition to international diplomatic opposition, the Kremlin also weighed in, with Russian officials reiterating that the creation of a Palestinian state is a crucial aspect of any viable peace settlement in the Middle East. The Russian Foreign Ministry underlined that the establishment of a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is non-negotiable for regional stability and peace.
Trump’s proposal comes amid escalating tensions and humanitarian crises in Gaza, and has further strained the already delicate peace efforts in the region. Palestinian leaders and regional powers continue to stress that any resolution to the ongoing conflict must respect the Palestinians’ rights to self-determination and a viable, independent state.
