Countries across the world, including UK, Egypt, Saudi Arabia have firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Arab states, expressing his interest in turning Gaza into a “Riviera” of the Middle East. Since after the proposal came in, it has sparked international condemnation and concerns over regional stability.
Furthermore, Jordan, and European nations, including Ireland and Spain, have also dismissed the idea, calling it a violation of international law. UK Foreign Office Minister Anneliese Dodds stated in Parliament, “We would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip.”
Egypt has taken a strong stance against the plan, with officials warning that such a move could jeopardize its long-standing peace treaty with Israel. In a statement, Cairo rejected the idea as a “blatant violation” of international law and a “threat to regional stability.” Unnamed Egyptian officials revealed that Cairo has privately conveyed its strong opposition to the U.S., Israel, and European allies, emphasizing that the proposal could reignite conflict. A Western diplomat in Cairo confirmed that Egypt views the plan as a serious national security risk.
Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally, has also condemned the proposal and stated it will not normalize ties with Israel—a major goal of the Trump administration—without the creation of a Palestinian state that includes Gaza.
Israel’s support to Trump’s plan
Meanwhile, Israel’s support came in favour of Trump’s Gaza resettlement plan, despite global condemnation. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the idea of allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza voluntarily. “I mean, what’s wrong with that? They can leave, they can then come back, they can relocate and come back. But you have to rebuild Gaza,” Netanyahu told Fox News.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a plan that would “allow any resident of Gaza who wishes to leave to do so, to any country willing to receive them.” Katz further claimed that European nations that have criticized Israel’s military actions, such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, are “legally obligated” to accept Gazans. The Irish government dismissed the claim as “unhelpful.”
First introduction of the plan
Trump first introduced the proposal at a White House press conference alongside Netanyahu, suggesting that Palestinians be permanently relocated to Egypt and Jordan while Gaza is turned into a luxury destination, calling it a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
“If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people, permanently, in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed and not be knifed to death like what’s happening in Gaza,” said Trump. He later added that the U.S. would “take over the Gaza Strip” and “own it.”
Following international backlash, the Trump administration attempted to soften its stance, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarifying that the relocation would be temporary, with Palestinians living “somewhere else in the interim” while Gaza is rebuilt. However, Trump continued to push the idea on social media, stating that Palestinians would be “resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes.”
Palestinians and Arab Nations Reject the Plan
Palestinians have vehemently opposed Trump’s plan, fearing it is a permanent attempt to displace them and erase their homeland. Arab states, particularly Egypt and Jordan, have rejected any efforts to absorb Gazan refugees, warning of dire consequences for regional stability.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks, but Egyptian officials insist that Cairo will resist any forced displacement of Palestinians. One official stated that Egypt has sent strong warnings to the U.S. administration, Israel, and European allies that the peace treaty with Israel could be at risk if the proposal moves forward.
As opposition grows, Trump and Israeli officials continue to frame the plan as voluntary, despite near-universal rejection from Palestinians and world leaders.
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