The proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to place the Gaza Strip under Washington's control and relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries has drawn criticism both globally and within the United States itself.
Trump presented the idea of a "Middle Eastern Riviera" in place of Gaza during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on the president's proposal for the restoration of the sector, described it as a "generous step," stating that Washington is ready to take a leading role in the area's recovery.
"President Trump has very generously expressed the willingness of the U.S. to get involved, to clear the area of debris and unexploded ordnance. Meanwhile, the people who call this place home will not be able to live there while crews are coming in to clear the rubble and remove munitions," the Secretary of State clarified the president's proposal.
In a social media post, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. goal is "long-term peace in the region."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump's idea "good." In his view, if implemented, it could "change the future."
"Neighboring wealthy states could do this. But the idea is to allow the first residents of Gaza who want to leave to do so. What's wrong with that? They can leave and then return... This is the first good idea I've heard. It's a wonderful idea. And I believe it should be explored and implemented because it will change the future for everyone," said the Israeli Prime Minister.
The head of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, rejected Trump's proposal, emphasizing that such "calls represent a serious violation of international law."
RelatedA representative of Hamas stated that implementing the U.S. president's idea is "a path to creating chaos and tension in the region."
Several EU countries, the United Kingdom, and China expressed support for a two-state solution that envisages the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Previously, Egypt and Jordan expressed their disagreement with the idea of relocating Gaza residents.
The Arab League, as well as the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, opposed Trump's plan.
Domestic Reaction
Donald Trump's proposal has faced sharp criticism in the U.S., particularly from representatives of the Democratic Party.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons from Delaware called the president's idea "offensive, crazy, and dangerous."
"The rest of the world will decide that we are not a reliable partner as our president makes crazy proposals," – Coons was quoted by Voice of America.
U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, considers Trump's idea of relocating Gaza residents "a call for ethnic cleansing."
UN: We must not exacerbate the problem
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that the deportation of the population from the Gaza Strip is illegal, while the organization's Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need to adhere to international law.
"In seeking solutions, we must not exacerbate the problem. It is very important to remain faithful to the foundations of international law," – Guterres stated.
The UN chief also highlighted the necessity of preventing "ethnic cleansing in any form."
According to Guterres, a peace agreement requires tangible, irreversible, and sustained progress towards a two-state solution, ending the occupation, and establishing an independent Palestinian state, of which Gaza will be an integral part.