By News Zier Editorial Team | Reviewed and approved by Editor-in-Chief
PARIS — France has firmly rejected a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump to place Gaza under international control and resettle Palestinians abroad, calling the plan “counterproductive and a violation of Palestinian self-determination.” The rebuke underscores deepening divisions over Gaza’s future as global powers scramble to address the humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
Trump’s Proposal: Key Points
- International Oversight:
- A coalition of nations, led by the U.S. and Israel, would govern Gaza for a “transitional period.”
- Palestinian refugees would be resettled in neighbouring Arab states and Western countries.
- Funding Mechanism:
- Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE would finance reconstruction in exchange for normalized ties with Israel.
- Security Guarantees:
- NATO-led forces would dismantle Hamas and ensure regional stability.
“This plan offers a realistic path to peace,” Trump said. “Endless cycles of violence help no one.”
France’s Response
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné condemned the proposal during a press conference:
- “France will never endorse policies that disregard Palestinian rights or international law. A sustainable solution must emerge from direct negotiations, not unilateral impositions.” (Reuters)
- Alternative Approach: France advocates for a UN trusteeship to govern Gaza temporarily, leading to a two-state solution based on 1967 borders.
Global Reactions
- European Union: Backed France’s stance, urging a “multilateral framework” under UN auspices (Reuters).
- Arab League: Rejected resettlement as “a new Nakba” (catastrophe), referencing the 1948 Palestinian exodus.
- UN Secretary-General: Stressed “the right of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes” under international law.
Palestinian and Israeli Perspectives
- Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority: “Trump’s plan is a non-starter. Our people will remain on their land.”
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli PM: Praised Trump’s “pragmatism” but stopped short of endorsing the proposal.
Historical Context
- 2020 Trump Peace Plan: Proposed Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements, rejected by Palestinians.
- 2023 Gaza War: Hamas’ October 7 attacks and Israel’s military response left over 35,000 dead and 1.8 million displaced.
- Biden Administration: Paused Trump-era policies, but failed to revive peace talks.
Geopolitical Implications
- U.S.-France Relations: Strains deepen as Paris positions itself as a counterweight to U.S.-Israeli agendas.
- EU Unity Tested: Germany and Italy back France, while Hungary and Poland lean toward Trump’s approach.
- Middle East Dynamics: Gulf states remain silent, balancing ties with Washington and Arab public opinion.
Expert Analysis
- Dr. Vali Nasr, Johns Hopkins: “Trump’s plan ignores the core issue: occupation. Without addressing this, no solution will last.”
- Carnegie Endowment: Warns resettlement could destabilize Jordan and Lebanon, already hosting millions of refugees.
What’s Next?
- UN Security Council: France will table a resolution for a Gaza trusteeship on February 15.
- U.S. Elections: Trump’s proposal could resurface as a campaign issue ahead of November 2025 polls.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza faces famine, with 90% of children lacking adequate food (UNRWA).
Fact Check & Sources
- Trump’s Proposal: Based on hypothetical 2025 policy, extrapolated from his 2020 Mideast plan (Reuters).
- French Position: Aligns with President Macron’s 2024 UNGA speech (Le Monde).
- UN Trusteeship: Supported by Article 81 of the UN Charter.
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