Trump’s Gaza Comments Spark Global Outrage, Calls for Canada to Oppose Ethnic Cleansing
Jafar Bhamji
2-26-2025
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President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding the future of Gaza have ignited international condemnation, with critics accusing him of advocating for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Trump’s comments, in which he suggested permanently relocating Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the region into a so-called “Riviera of the Middle East,” have been widely denounced by human rights organizations, governments, and advocacy groups.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks
During a televised interview, Trump proposed that Palestinians should be “resettled permanently” in other countries, portraying the mass displacement as a solution to the ongoing conflict.
His remarks come as Gaza faces a dire humanitarian crisis, with Israeli bombardments having killed tens of thousands and displaced the vast majority of its 2.1 million residents.
Trump’s characterization of Gaza as a demolished site in need of redevelopment was met with swift backlash, as critics pointed out the destruction was a direct result of relentless military attacks and blockade policies.
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) strongly condemned Trump’s statements, emphasizing that Gaza is not for sale and belongs to its indigenous Palestinian population. “Trump’s misguided remarks are an open invitation for Netanyahu and his far-right extremist cabinet members to pursue further war crimes and ethnic cleansing,” said Imad Hamad, Executive Director of AHRC.
“This is not The Apprentice—Trump’s reckless words have real consequences.”
Condemnation from Civil Rights Organizations
CAIR Action, a leading Muslim political advocacy group in the U.S., denounced Trump’s comments as “egregiously inhumane and dangerously irresponsible.” Executive Director Basim Elkarra warned that Trump’s rhetoric echoes past efforts to erase Palestinian identity and could fuel further violence. “Advocating for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians while promoting a vision of Gaza as a luxurious beach destination is both cruel and outrageous,” Elkarra stated.
The remarks have also been met with criticism from international legal experts, who argue that forced displacement of an indigenous population violates international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Several nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, swiftly condemned Trump’s proposal, reaffirming their commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
Calls for Canada to Oppose Trump’s Proposal
In Canada, the Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians (APAC) issued a strong statement urging the government to take a firm stance against Trump’s remarks. APAC’s Board of Directors called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration to denounce the proposal unequivocally and impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel.
“The forced removal of an entire population is not only a moral abomination but a clear violation of international law,” APAC’s statement read. “History has shown us the consequences of inaction in the face of injustice. We cannot stand by while ethnic cleansing is being openly proposed.”
APAC further criticized Canada’s diplomatic approach, arguing that the government’s failure to act emboldens those who believe might makes right. “Despite formal apologies for past injustices, Canada’s inaction signals that we have failed to learn from history.”
Political Reactions and Next Steps
Within the U.S., Trump’s comments have drawn backlash from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Civil rights organizations have called on Congress to reject Trump’s proposal and reaffirm their commitment to human rights and international law. Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric aligns with far-right Israeli extremists who have long called for the depopulation of Gaza and the West Bank.
As the controversy unfolds, human rights advocates and Palestinian solidarity groups continue to pressure world leaders to take a decisive stand against Trump’s remarks. Many emphasize that forced displacement and the destruction of Palestinian communities will not bring peace but only deepen the decades-long conflict.
With global opposition mounting, the pressure is now on Canada and other nations to take meaningful action against policies that promote ethnic cleansing and forced displacement. Advocates warn that silence in the face of such proposals amounts to complicity, and the time to act is now.
Jagmeet Singh - leader of the federal NDP sends a stong message:
Gaza belongs to Palestine — and no one else.
Trump’s threats are utter madness. They violate every international law. Destabilize the region. Threaten the ceasefire.
Canada must stand up to this forcefully.
Gaza is not for sale, it belongs to Palestinians.
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