Trump's Gaza plan criticized

More than 100 organizations have issued a joint statement rejecting the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza after US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to take ownership of the besieged enclave.

In a TV interview aired on Monday, Trump also threatened to cancel the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas if all Israeli captives were not released by Saturday.

Hamas on Monday announced a delay in the next release of Israeli hostages on Saturday, alleging that Israel had violated the cease-fire agreement, including targeting Palestinians and conducting airstrikes in Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, accused Hamas of breaking its promise and starting to prepare for military actions again.

Trump said he "will build beautiful communities for the 1.9 million people" and "safe communities away from the danger" in the interview with Fox News.

He added that there would be no right of return for Palestinians under the plan because they would have "better housing" amid plans to build "a permanent place for them".

Trump also warned it would take years to rebuild Gaza.

In response to Trump's comments, several activist organizations — including CODEPINK, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, the UNRWA USA National Committee, and Doctors Against Genocide — released a joint statement on Monday.

The statement signed by Christian, Muslim, and Jewish groups reiterated that the forcible displacement of civilians "is a violation of international humanitarian law, including under Article 49(1) of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which both the US and Israel are party".

'Not practical'

Ayman Yousef, a professor of international relations at the Arab American University in Jenin in the West Bank, said Trump's plan "is not practical at all" as the Palestinians are the original inhabitants of this land, so they would not buy their land from a leader such as Trump.

Yousef said it might also be an attempt to test the waters. "He wants to see the reaction of the Palestinians, the Arabs. He wants to see the reaction of Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia so that he can, in the future, lay down the foundation of future US policy in the Middle East," he added.

Abdul Wahed Jalal Nori, an analyst and lecturer at the Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies at the International Islamic University in Malaysia, told China Daily that Trump's plan violates international law, particularly the right of return, and risks being labeled as "ethnic cleansing".

He said it also undermines regional stability.

"This move will set a dangerous precedent for forced displacement, escalating conflict and radicalization, and straining US diplomatic relations with allies," said Abdul Wahed, who wrote State-building under Foreign Occupation: The Case of Iraq 2003-2008.

"Overall, it will definitely threaten global stability and Middle East peace by fueling resentment and eroding international norms. Trump and Netanyahu's arrogance will ultimately lead to their own downfall," he said.

Abdul Wahed expressed doubt that the US will be able to invade Gaza as it fails to understand the Palestinian mindset.

"These people are prepared to sacrifice everything. Denying Gazans the right to return would mean their complete eradication, something they will never accept. I don't think Trump understands the mindset of the Palestinians," said Abdul Wahed.

jan@chinadailyapac.com