France has joined a chorus of world leaders in their condemnation of US Presient Donald Trump’s controversial declaration that he intends to transform Gaza into a luxury resort, calling it reckless and legally indefensible.
US President Donald Trump’s proposal to transform the war-ravaged Gaza Strip into a luxurious “Riviera of the Middle East” has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic world, drawing swift and fierce criticism from European leaders.
Trump's plan involves the resettlement of Palestinians across the Middle East marks a dramatic departure from long-standing US policy, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution.
Unveiling his proposal at a White House press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, Trump painted a picture of Gaza as a thriving coastal paradise, where international communities could live in peace.
He insisted that regional powers such as Jordan and Egypt would ultimately support resettling Gaza’s two million residents elsewhere, despite their initial refusals.
“We’re going to help people live in harmony,” Trump stated, though he provided no concrete details on how such a massive relocation would unfold.
‘Violation of international law’
However, Trump’s ambitious and controversial idea has been met with widespread rejection, particularly in France and across Europe.
French officials were among the first to respond, slamming the proposal as reckless and legally indefensible.
France’s foreign ministry emphasised that the forced displacement of Palestinians would violate international law and undermine peace efforts.
French Foreign ministry says forced displacement of Gazans would be 'unacceptable'
“The legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people must be respected,” a spokesperson stated, warning that Trump’s plan would further destabilise an already volatile region.
"The future of Gaza lies in a future Palestinian state, not in the control of a third country".
The former Palestinian ambassador to France, Hind Khoury on France24
Europe stands firm
Other European nations quickly echoed France’s concerns.
Germany, Spain, Ireland, and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution, underlining that Gaza’s future must be tied to a sovereign Palestinian state.
Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, was unequivocal: “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians. They must remain in their land.”
The reaction from the Middle East was equally severe.
Saudi Arabia – a key US ally – flatly rejected the idea, reaffirming that it would not establish ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state.
Turkey dismissed the plan as “unacceptable,” while China condemned any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Macron says 'Palestinian governance' needed in Gaza as ceasefire enacted
'We are going nowhere"
Hamas – the group that has ruled Gaza since 2007 – called Trump’s idea “ridiculous and absurd,” warning that such proposals could ignite further conflict.
Palestinian civilians also expressed outrage, with one Gaza resident declaring, “Trump can go to hell with his money and his ideas. We are going nowhere”.
Whether Trump intends to pursue this reimagining of Gaza or is staking out an extreme position as a negotiating tactic remains unclear.
The former president has offered no specific timeline or actionable steps for the implementation of his vision.
(With newswires)
