UN Chief António Guterres warns against ethnic cleansing as Trump’s Gaza plan is rejected worldwide

Donald Trump’s proposal for a US takeover of Gaza and the forced relocation of Palestinians has ignited a storm of international condemnation, with the UN chief warning against potential “ethnic cleansing.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the issue at a UN meeting, stressing that “it is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing,” following Trump’s remarks that the US should “own” Gaza and move its residents elsewhere.

The controversial plan has drawn sharp criticism from global leaders. Germany warned that it violates international law, Brazil’s president called it “incomprehensible,” and China stated it opposes any “forced transfer” of populations. Despite the outcry, Trump dismissed concerns, claiming, “Everybody loves [the plan],” during an Oval Office event.

While the proposal has been denounced by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt—key US allies in the region—it has been met with enthusiasm by Israel’s far-right leaders. Figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have welcomed Trump’s endorsement of mass Palestinian displacement, viewing it as an opportunity to eliminate any future Palestinian state. Netanyahu’s political rival, Benny Gantz, also backed aspects of Trump’s plan, calling it “admirable.”

The White House has attempted to soften Trump’s rhetoric, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the plan does not involve “boots on the ground” in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted it was not a “hostile move.” However, critics argue that the proposal, which relies on Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians, could destabilise the region.

Saudi Arabia was among the first to reject the idea, calling any attempt to remove Palestinians from their land “unequivocally” unacceptable. Jordan’s King Abdullah also dismissed the plan, warning that taking in Gaza’s population under duress would threaten his country’s stability. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and France’s Emmanuel Macron jointly declared that forced displacement would be a “serious violation of international law.”

Trump, anticipating resistance, downplayed the opposition, asserting that leaders in Jordan and Egypt would “open their hearts” to the plan due to their reliance on US aid and military support. However, experts warn that the political and security risks of mass displacement could far outweigh any financial pressure from Washington.

The controversy unfolds as negotiations continue for an extension of the ceasefire in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts have been overshadowed by Trump’s proposal, raising concerns that his comments could derail ongoing talks. Hamas has rejected any forced expulsion of Palestinians, vowing continued resistance.

With global outrage mounting and Middle Eastern leaders standing firm, Trump’s proposal faces severe obstacles. As tensions escalate, the plan remains a high-stakes gamble that could reshape not just Gaza’s future but the broader geopolitical landscape.