Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has voiced support for the “Gaza plan” that President Donald Trump is reportedly implementing. This allegedly involves the relocation of Palestinians who are currently living in Gaza, and the U.S. assumes control over the Gaza Strip.
The Plan’s Significance
According to reports, Trump suggested that Jordan and Egypt accommodate more Palestinian refugees coming from Gaza shortly after taking office. Some critics claim that a similar move could force Palestinians to leave their ancestral home, which is deeply connected with their culture, history and sense of self. Other proposals include a U.S. ‘takeover’ of the Gaza Strip.
Arab leaders and Palestinian representatives as well as international human right organizations have condemned the plans. Some even made comparisons with ethnic cleansing.
In the past, many Israeli officials suggested that Palestinians be relocated from Gaza into surrounding Arab countries. Netanyahu’s statements in recent weeks suggest that he is increasingly aligned with Trump’s views, especially as the negotiations between Israel and Hamas about the next phase of ceasefire are still inconclusive. In order to achieve a lasting peace, it is important that we address core issues such as Palestinian self determination and regional stability.
The Key Statements
The meeting between Netanyahu and U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio, which took place in Jerusalem, marked the beginning of an extensive Middle East diplomatic trip. Rubio will meet with Russian officials to discuss possible peace talks regarding the Russia-Ukraine Conflict in Saudi Arabia.
Rubio, who is Trump’s key advisor on foreign policy, has echoed Netanyahu in his stance against Hamas. Rubio is emphasizing the fact that Hamas continues to be a political or military force, which poses an unsurmountable barrier to peace. Rubio stated that “Hamas cannot continue as a military or government force… They must be eliminated, they must be eradicated.”
The Associated Press reported, following their meeting that Netanyahu affirmed a ‘common strategy’ with Trump regarding Gaza. Trump has often emphasized that he wants to turn the Palestinian Territories into a “Riviera in the Middle East” for all “people of the world.”
Netanyahu referred to the U.S. proposal as the “only viable plan” for enabling a new future, signaling possible Israeli support for Palestinians being displaced from their homes. Trump’s proposal was also discussed in the past. Netanyahu said that it wasn’t surprising and they had been discussing it.
The announcements come at a time when the first phase of the ceasefire between Hamas & Israel is nearing its end. In the first phase, prisoner exchanges and exchanges of hostages were made. The most recent one took place Saturday.
Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023. Around 1,200 were killed and 250 captured. Israel responded by launching extensive air and ground operations and restricting humanitarian aid in Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 47,000 Palestinians.
Gaza Strip is in a state of chaos due to the conflict. Bombings have been carried out and there has not been enough humanitarian aid. According to the United Nations, at least 1.9 millions people have fled their homes due to Israeli bombings.
The ceasefire brokered by the mediators has allowed thousands of Palestinians return to their homes that were destroyed in Gaza’s northern part and helped reunite hostages in Israel with their families.
Reactions & Perspectives
The Texas Republican Representative Brandon Gill posted an update on X. President Trump has delivered on his promise to bring peace to the Middle East. PROMISES MADE.”
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a Democrat, made X: “I have news for you – we aren’t taking over Gaza. But the media and the chattering class will focus on it for a few days and Trump will have succeeded in distracting everyone from the real story – the billionaires seizing government to steal from regular people.”
The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) stated on February 4: Gaza is the property of the Palestinians, not America, and the call by President Trump to remove Palestinians from the land they live on is nonsensical. Jordan, Egypt Saudi Arabia and the whole Muslim world has made it very clear that they reject this deluded idea.
CAIR also added: “If Palestinians are ever forcibly evicted from Gaza, it would be a crime against humanity that would ignite widespread conflict. It will put the last nail into the coffin and damage our country’s standing internationally.”
Future Outlook
The AP reports that Israel’s Security Cabinet will meet on Monday for a discussion on the next step of the ceasefire.
Trump said that, “Israel will decide what is the next step in consultation with myself.” It suggests that future decisions in the Middle East will be made collaboratively.