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Gaza people are the victims of the most violated protracted conflict in the Middle East. They have been occupied by Israel and, with every single political development, they face suppression, rape, mass killings, and genocide. They do not receive the attention and sympathy they deserve from the world. From every angle of discussion, they are the victims: losing their land to Israeli occupation, facing restrictions on movement within their own homeland, and enduring torture by Israeli military forces. Innocent people, including children and women, are brutally killed and severely injured. Yet, despite their suffering, they continue to face criticism. Western countries blindly support Israel for their own political and economic profit, trading the lives of Palestinian people in exchange for their interests.

During this time of crisis, the newly elected Republican President of the United States has announced a controversial idea to displace Gaza’s population from their land and intervene in the region. The proposal includes relocating the 2.1 million Palestinian residents of Gaza to neighboring Middle Eastern countries while redeveloping Gaza into a Western-controlled area, potentially transforming it into a tourist destination. This plan is a blatant violation of international law and human rights, stripping the Palestinian people of their homeland and further cementing Israeli control over the territory. The forced removal of an entire population from their homeland is not only a breach of basic human rights but also an indication of a larger agenda aimed at erasing Palestinian identity and territorial claims.

Palestinian leaders, including the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, have condemned the idea, asserting that it would lead to ethnic cleansing and the complete erasure of Palestinian identity from Gaza. Egypt and Jordan have outright rejected the proposal, stating that they will not accept the forced displacement of Palestinians into their countries. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have also voiced their opposition, warning that such actions would destabilize the region and destroy any possibility of peace in the Middle East. The Arab League has also criticized the plan, calling it a "flagrant violation of human rights and an attempt to rewrite history by eliminating the presence of Palestinians in Gaza."

Despite the strong pushback from Middle Eastern nations, the Western world and so-called democratic, liberal, and civilized countries have remained largely silent on the issue. Apart from a few voices of dissent, such as Australia, which has expressed concern over the human rights violations involved, most Western governments continue to support Israel unconditionally. Their silence and passive acceptance of this blatant displacement plan reveal the hypocrisy in their advocacy for democracy and human rights. While Western nations were quick to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provide extensive support for Ukrainian refugees, they remain indifferent to the plight of Palestinians facing similar, if not worse, oppression. This double standard underscores the political and economic motivations behind their selective humanitarianism.

The forced displacement of Gaza’s population and the full control granted to Israel would be a direct violation of the two-state solution, which has been internationally recognized as the only pathway to peace in the region. By removing Palestinians from their own land, this plan would ensure absolute Israeli dominance and erase any possibility of Palestinian sovereignty. Such a proposal reflects a deeply fascist and colonial mindset, disregarding the basic rights of an entire population. The two-state solution, though increasingly fragile due to continuous Israeli settlements and military control, remains a legal and diplomatic foundation for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Any attempt to displace Palestinians further weakens this possibility and gives full access to Israeli expansionist policies.

Furthermore, the execution of this proposal would ignite new tensions in the Middle East. The relocation of millions of Palestinians to neighboring countries would not only strain the resources and political stability of these nations but also lead to widespread unrest among the displaced populations. The Middle East has already been a volatile region due to ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and adding another layer of displacement would only exacerbate the situation. The proposal does not consider the psychological and cultural trauma associated with forced displacement, nor does it offer any meaningful solutions for the long-term well-being of the Palestinian people.

The world is currently witnessing an increase in interconnectedness, where conflicts in one region can have significant ripple effects on a global scale. The economic, political, and humanitarian consequences of such forced displacement would not be confined to the Middle East alone. The potential for increased radicalization, the further spread of extremism, and the escalation of regional conflicts could affect global security. Countries in the West, including the United States, cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such actions, as their repercussions will inevitably affect global stability.

The disparity in global responses to conflicts involving different populations highlights a troubling inconsistency in the application of international principles. While significant support and solidarity are extended to certain groups, such as Ukrainians, the Palestinian struggle for basic human rights and self-determination often receives insufficient attention. This selective empathy not only undermines the credibility of international advocacy for human rights but also perpetuates cycles of injustice and conflict. The international community must reject any attempt to forcibly displace Gaza’s population and work toward genuine solutions that respect the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.

In an interconnected world, the repercussions of regional conflicts are not confined to their immediate locales. The destabilization of the Middle East has far-reaching consequences, including the potential for global economic disruptions, increased refugee flows, and the spread of extremist ideologies. It is imperative that the international community adopts a balanced and principled approach, recognizing the equal value of all human lives and addressing the root causes of conflicts with fairness and justice. Every human life matters, whether Israeli or Palestinian, and the response to this crisis must be rooted in impartiality, humanity, and a commitment to peace.

The proposal to displace the population of Gaza and repurpose their land not only contravenes established international laws but also moral imperatives that uphold human dignity and the right to self-determination. The global community must unequivocally reject such measures and work collaboratively toward sustainable and equitable solutions that honor the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. Only through genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international norms can lasting peace be achieved in the region. The Gaza crisis is not just a regional issue; it is a matter of global conscience that demands immediate and just intervention.

Roman Uddin is a Research Associate, Centre for Governance Studies

Views in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect CGS policy.