The U.S. proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip has ignited a wave of international condemnation, with critics warning that it undermines Palestinian rights and risks further destabilizing the region. At a press conference on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Washington sees “a long-term ownership position” in Gaza, a statement that has drawn sharp rebuke from Arab nations, European governments, and international organizations.
For decades, Gaza has been at the center of conflict, blockade, and humanitarian crises, with its more than two million Palestinian residents enduring severe hardship. The prospect of forced displacement, as implied by the U.S. proposal, has only deepened concerns that Washington is prioritizing political maneuvering over genuine conflict resolution.
Arab nations have unanimously rejected the idea. Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), stated that Palestinians “categorically reject all calls to displace our people from their homeland.” Hamas, which governs Gaza, echoed this sentiment, warning that the proposal would escalate tensions and further entrench Israeli and U.S. influence over the territory.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit reaffirmed the regional opposition to the plan during a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. His stance was backed by Turkey, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan denouncing the proposal as “unacceptable” and a violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
European nations have also spoken out against the move. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that such actions would lead to “new suffering and new hatred.” France’s Foreign Ministry described the forced displacement of Palestinians as a “serious” breach of international law and a direct assault on Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
The backlash reflects broader concerns that Washington’s approach undermines efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The two-state solution remains the widely accepted path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but the U.S. proposal threatens to derail it. Instead of advocating for humanitarian aid and post-conflict reconstruction, Washington’s plan appears to prioritize strategic control over Gaza, a move critics argue will only fuel further unrest.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the urgency of adhering to international law, warning that making the crisis worse is not a solution. “It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law,” he said.
As the global outcry grows, the U.S. faces increasing pressure to abandon its proposal and support solutions that respect Palestinian rights and foster lasting peace.
