3:51 am - February 12, 2025
Macron Stands Firm Against Trump’s Gaza Proposal, Emphasizes Respect for Palestinians
In a bold stance against former US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to "take over" Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for respect and dignity for Palestinians, dismissing the idea of displacing millions of Gazans from their homeland. Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN at the Élysée Palace ahead of the AI summit, Macron underscored the impracticality and immorality of such a plan. "You cannot say to 2 million people, ‘okay, now guess what? You will move,’" Macron asserted, emphasizing that the solution to the conflict must be political rather than a "real estate operation." His remarks reflect France’s consistent support for Palestinian rights while maintaining its alliance with Israel.
Macron’s position is part of a broader European response to Trump’s proposal, which has sparked widespread outrage and criticism. The French leader has been vocal in his opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, particularly following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Despite supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, Macron has repeatedly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, calling its actions disproportionate and harmful to civilians. "I always reiterated my disagreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu," Macron said, adding that massive military operations targeting civilians are not the right approach. France has gone as far as suspending arms exports to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) since October 2024, urging other nations to follow suit.
Trump’s Proposal Sparks Global Outrage and Debate
At the heart of the controversy is Trump’s provocative plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, with the US taking "long-term ownership" of the enclave. The former president, known for his polarizing rhetoric, has drawn sharp criticism for touting Gaza’s real estate potential, suggesting it could be transformed into a "Middle Eastern Riviera." His vision, which echoes earlier suggestions by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, involves "cleaning up" Gaza by removing civilians to unlock its "very valuable" waterfront properties. However, the plan has been met with fierce resistance from the international community, with many leaders and organizations labeling it as illegal and tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
The proposal has also raised concerns about its feasibility, given the unwillingness of Jordan and Egypt to absorb large numbers of Gazan refugees. Macron pointed out that any efficient response to rebuilding Gaza must respect the wishes of Palestinians to remain on their homeland. "You cannot ignore the fact that people want to stay in their homes," he said. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has surprisingly endorsed Trump’s idea, calling it "remarkable." This stance aligns with the growing influence of far-right settler groups in Israel, which have long advocated for the displacement of Arabs to make way for Jewish settlements. Such a move would not only violate international law but also exacerbate tensions in the region, leading to further global condemnation.
International Community Condemns Trump’s Plan
The international community has been quick to denounce Trump’s proposal, with leaders and organizations unequivocally rejecting the idea of displacing Palestinians. The United Nations has been particularly robust in its criticism, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning Trump against "ethnic cleansing." Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, echoed this sentiment, stating plainly, "Gazans’ land is Gaza." In Western Europe, only far-right figurehead Geert Wilders of the Netherlands has expressed support for the plan, tweeting, "Let Palestinians move to Jordan. Gaza-problem solved!" However, this stance has been widely rejected by mainstream European leaders, who view the proposal as a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
Germany has also been vocal in its opposition, with President Walter Steinmeier describing the suggestion as "unacceptable." Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that the plan would "lead to new suffering and new hatred," further destabilizing the region. Meanwhile, some allies have attempted to navigate a middle ground, trying to maintain good relations with Trump while upholding their commitment to Palestinian rights. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, for instance, acknowledged the dire situation in Gaza but emphasized the need for a two-state solution. "We must see Palestinians able to live and prosper in their homelands in Gaza," he said, a view shared by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stressed the importance of allowing Palestinians to return to their homes.
France Leads the Charge Against Displacement Plans
France has been at the forefront of opposition to Trump’s proposal, with the government spokesperson describing the plan as a "destabilizing question in the Middle East." Macron’s stance reflects a long-standing French commitment to Palestinian rights, even as the country maintains its alliance with Israel. The suspension of arms exports to the IDF in October 2024 marked a significant shift in France’s policy, signaling its growing unease with Israel’s military actions. Macron has been unafraid to publicly criticize Netanyahu’s government,even as other leaders have opted for a more diplomatic approach.
The French president’s emphasis on respect for Palestinians and their Arab neighbors underscores the importance of dignity and self-determination in resolving the conflict. "The right answer is not a real estate operation, this is a political operation," he said, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and inclusive solution. Macron’s words resonate with a broader European consensus that prioritizes peace, justice, and human rights in the region. As the international community continues to grapple with the fallout from Trump’s proposal, France’s unwavering commitment to these principles serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy and solidarity in addressing one of the world’s most complex conflicts.
In conclusion, the controversy over Trump’s Gaza proposal has once again brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the forefront of global diplomacy. While some leaders have embraced the plan as a bold solution, the overwhelming majority of the international community has rejected it as illegal, immoral, and doomed to fail. Macron’s leadership on this issue, coupled with France’s decisive actions, highlights the importance of upholding international law and respecting the rights of all parties involved. As the world moves forward, the focus must remain on finding a just and sustainable peace that honors the dignity and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.