UNAIR NEWS – U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked global controversy with his proposal to relocate residents of Gaza to other regions. His assertion that Gaza should be “cleansed” and its inhabitants resettled elsewhere has been widely condemned as an early and highly contentious policy of his new administration. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, which views it as a violation of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to their homeland.
Dr. M. Muttaqien, SIP, MA, PhD, a lecturer at UNAIR’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), shared his perspective on the issue. As an expert in Middle Eastern studies within the Department of International Relations, Muttaqien stressed that any relocation of Gaza’s population constitutes forced displacement, making Trump’s proposal a breach of international law.
“Trump’s policy of removing Gaza’s residents from land they have inhabited for thousands of years amounts to forced displacement. Forcibly relocating a population, particularly children, constitutes a form of genocide as it deliberately targets a specific ethnic group,” Muttaqien explained.
Potential legal repercussions
Muttaqien further noted that violations of international law could lead to sanctions against those responsible. If found guilty of committing crimes, perpetrators could face prosecution in international courts.
Though still in the proposal phase, Trump’s plan has already sparked widespread backlash. Arab nations, the broader Islamic world, and the global community have voiced strong opposition. Arab countries, in particular, reject the proposal, recalling how similar events in 1948 led to the Arab-Israeli war.
“This opposition is not limited to Arab nations; the entire Islamic world stands against it. On the global stage, the European Union has also expressed its disapproval. Nations that prioritize human rights will undoubtedly stand against this policy,” Muttaqien asserted.
If implemented, Muttaqien anticipates significant turmoil. The Palestinian people are likely to resist, unwilling to relive another Nakba—the 1948 catastrophe that led to their displacement. Additionally, heightened dissatisfaction among Arab nations regarding U.S. actions could trigger even greater regional instability.
Opposition to Trump’s proposal extends beyond the international sphere; resistance is also evident within the United States. A recent poll indicates that 47% of Americans disapprove of relocating Gaza’s residents.
“The latest survey shows that 47% of Americans oppose the proposal. The remaining 53% are not necessarily in favor but are divided between uncertainty and a ‘wait-and-see’ approach. Given the controversial nature of this policy, domestic unrest in the U.S. is a real possibility,” he added.
Muttaqien also outlined Indonesia’s potential role in addressing the situation. He emphasized that Indonesia remains actively engaged in global peace efforts through multilateral diplomacy. By fostering strong solidarity with other nations, Indonesia could play a crucial role in preventing Trump’s proposal from materializing.
Author: FISIP UNAIR
