The situation in Gaza has reached a critical juncture, with international leaders and organizations weighing in on proposed plans for the territory. The Pentagon, under the direction of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, has indicated a willingness to consider "all options" regarding the future of Gaza. This comes amid heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump's controversial suggestion that the United States take over the Gaza Strip and transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East."
The United Nations has firmly stated that the forcible deportation of individuals from occupied territories is "strictly prohibited" under international law. Human Rights Watch echoed this sentiment, condemning any policy aimed at relocating Palestinians from Gaza as a "moral abomination." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reinforced the position that Gaza is "an integral part of the State of Palestine," asserting that "we will not allow the rights of our people … to be infringed on."
The humanitarian cost in Gaza has been catastrophic. The Palestinian ministry of health reports an estimated death toll of 47,552 since Israeli operations commenced following the attacks on October 7. The healthcare system in the occupied West Bank remains in "a state of perpetual emergency," according to Doctors Without Borders, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
President Trump's proposal has been met with widespread international disapproval. Key regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, have expressed anger and rejection of the plan. The foreign ministry of Iran has unequivocally opposed any initiative to forcibly resettle Palestinians, describing such actions as "an unprecedented attack on the fundamental principles and foundations of international law and the United Nations Charter."
Despite these rebukes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for Trump, calling him "the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House." Netanyahu emphasized that "the only way to get peace, and enduring peace, is by being very, very strong."
Within the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to frame the plan as a non-hostile gesture focused on rebuilding efforts. However, the specifics of US military involvement remain ambiguous. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, clarified that Trump's plan does not imply a military presence or "boots on the ground in Gaza."
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the army to draft a plan allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza. This directive further complicates the geopolitical landscape and raises questions about potential outcomes for millions of displaced individuals.
Palestinians in Gaza face a grim reality. Abu Firas, a resident, voiced his defiance against displacement: "We would rather die here than leave this land," he said, adding poignantly, "No amount of money in the world can replace your homeland."