Christian youth in Europe calls to reject Trump’s Gaza plan
15-02-2025
Opinion
Jonathan de Koeijer and Gerbrand van Hoef
US President Trump (right) with the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Photo AFP, Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
Opinion
US President Trump does not make friends with his plan to relocate the Gaza population. Political youth organisations SGP Youth (from the Dutch Reformed SGP party) and ECPYouth (from the European Christian Political Movement) call on politicians to reject this plan firmly.
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The situation in Gaza has long gripped the world. In recent days, much discussion has arisen regarding US President Trump’s proposal to (temporarily) relocate Gaza’s population. This plan is not only controversial but also raises serious concerns.
ECPYouth and SGP-jongeren urge Dutch and European politicians to reject this proposal firmly. Forcibly displacing a population amounts to ethnic cleansing and violates international law.
What is Trump’s plan?
In President Trump’s proposal, the United States take control of Gaza, with no Palestinian government. Jordan and Egypt would take in displaced Gazans while the US redeveloped the territory. The remaining Palestinian population would be placed in six refugee camps outside Gaza. Gaza would not govern itself but remain under US governance.
Our moral objections
The world order is under pressure, with countries like Russia, China, and North Korea ignoring international law and using violence to achieve their goals. The war in Ukraine demonstrates the dangers of such actions. It is alarming that the United States, under Trump’s leadership, is now proposing a plan that disregards international law.
Forcibly relocating people against their will, even temporarily, is unacceptable. It violates international law and constitutes a serious breach of fundamental human rights. Additionally, it is also considered a war crime.
Beyond these major legal objections, Trump’s Gaza plan is practically unfeasible. Neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Egypt have already stated that they are only willing to take in a limited number of Palestinians.
Furthermore, housing the remaining Palestinian population in six large refugee camps is morally reprehensible and unacceptable. Such a plan would only increase Palestinian suffering and further escalate tensions in the region.
Sustainable peace
Recent developments underscore the urgent need for a sustainable and lasting solution. Both Israelis and Palestinians require a long-term perspective on the future. According to ECPYouth and SGP Youth, a two-state solution remains the most logical path forward, but it must involve international cooperation and participation from the Palestinian people. The local population must not be excluded from deciding their future.
Therefore, ECPYouth and SGP Youth call on European politicians to firmly reject Trump’s plan and uphold the principles of international law and human dignity. The future of Israel and Gaza requires a long-term vision, not quick-fix plans that merely shift the problem elsewhere, exacerbating the suffering of Gazans.
Jonathan de Koeijer, Board Member Politics, ECPYouth & Gerbrand van Hoef, Board Member Politics, SGP-Jongeren
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