Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza, was warmly received by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Netanyahu, a staunch supporter of Trump, expressed satisfaction as the two leaders addressed the press.
During their meeting, Trump suggested that Palestinians displaced by Israel’s military actions should be “resettled” in third countries, a stance long advocated by Israeli right-wing factions. His comments effectively endorsed a policy of forced expulsion that has been gaining momentum since the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023.
Trump’s Endorsement of Forced Displacement
Trump’s remarks are part of a troubling pattern in which he has repeatedly suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza. He has spoken about “cleaning out” the region and has approached leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and Indonesia to accept displaced Palestinians.
If such a plan were carried out, it would cause immense human suffering, spark further bloodshed, and destabilize the region. Additionally, a U.S.-led occupation of Gaza would not only violate international law but also deepen anti-American sentiment across the Middle East.
Trump Backs Netanyahu as Both Leaders Face Global Scrutiny Over Gaza PoliciesNetanyahu appears to be taking Trump’s statements as an endorsement of his own government’s plans. The Israeli military has already been ordered to draft strategies for the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza. This language is deceptive, as the forced removal of over two million people would constitute a war crime under international law.
Meanwhile, despite an official cease-fire, Israeli military operations continue, with Netanyahu seeking Trump’s approval for a campaign aimed at the complete “eradication” of Hamas. The Israeli government’s actions suggest that the cease-fire is viewed as a temporary pause rather than a step toward lasting peace.
The Illusion of Middle East Peace
Trump’s approach to the Middle East, like that of his predecessor Joe Biden, is built on the mistaken belief that Israel can normalize relations with Arab nations while continuing its occupation of Palestinian land. Efforts such as the Abraham Accords, which seek to integrate Israel into the region diplomatically, ignore the core issue of Palestinian oppression.
Even if Trump were to broker additional agreements, they would not lead to genuine peace or acceptance of Israel by the region’s people. Instead, these deals merely create the illusion of stability while failing to address decades of Israeli policies that have dispossessed and marginalized Palestinians.
The suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, has reached unbearable levels. Yet, their resistance and determination to fight for their rights remain unwavering. The international community must reject any plans that promote forced displacement, military occupation, or the further marginalization of Palestinians.
The world must recognize that true peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of the conflict—namely, Israel’s long-standing policies of occupation and dispossession. Without meaningful action to protect Palestinian rights, lasting peace in the region will remain an illusion.