Why it matters:
Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s residents has sparked global outrage, with Arab and Islamic nations firmly rejecting any forced demographic changes. The strong international opposition highlights growing pressure on Washington and Tel Aviv amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
What they're saying:
Tariq Al-Bannai, Kuwait's envoy to the UN declared: "The displacement must be unequivocally rejected. The Arab Group firmly opposes any such action, as it constitutes a blatant violation of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949."
Al-Bannai also laid out the vision for Gaza’s future, stating: "We, the Arab nations, envision an advanced and beautiful Palestinian Gaza within an independent and internationally recognized Palestinian state."
The Kuwaiti representative welcomed the international community’s opposition to forced displacement and urged member states for a "unified and explicit rejection" of such measures.
Qatar’s UN envoy welcomed mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. but insisted on fully implementing the ceasefire agreement.
Key points:
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The Arab Group’s statement has received strong backing from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
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UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which calls for an immediate ceasefire and rejects any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza, was hailed as a "beacon of hope for ending Israeli aggression."
Go deeper:
Trump’s controversial proposal—first revealed in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—suggests that Palestinians should be relocated from Gaza to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. On February 4, 2025, Trump stated that the U.S. should "seize, control, develop, and maintain" Gaza under "long-term ownership."
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