(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/5/2025) – CAIR Action, a leading national Muslim political advocacy organization, strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s recent remarks calling for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and proposing to redevelop the area into a so-called “Riviera of the Middle East.” His comments, widely criticized by the international community, blatantly disregard the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and advocate for policies that amount to ethnic cleansing.
In yesterday’s interview, Trump stated that Palestinians should be “resettled permanently” in other countries, portraying this forced displacement as a solution to the ongoing conflict. His statement comes amid an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where relentless Israeli bombardments have killed nearly 62,000 people, though the death toll is severely undercounted. Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million civilians have been displaced and essential infrastructure destroyed. Calls for the forced expulsion of an indigenous population violate international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which explicitly prohibits the forcible transfer of protected persons.
CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra denounced Trump’s proposal, stating “President Trump’s comments are not only egregiously inhumane but also dangerously irresponsible. The Palestinian people have a deep and historic connection to their land, and any attempt to forcibly remove them is a violation of international law and basic human decency. Advocating for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians while promoting a vision of Gaza as a luxurious beach destination is both cruel and outrageous. Such rhetoric fuels further violence and undermines any prospects for peace.”
Elkarra also emphasized that Trump’s remarks echo past efforts to erase Palestinian identity and presence in the region. “The world must reject these blatant calls for ethnic cleansing and stand firmly in defense of Palestinian rights,” he added.
Trump’s comments have drawn backlash from governments, human rights organizations, and political leaders worldwide. Countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia swiftly condemned the proposal, reaffirming their commitment to Palestinian self-determination and rejecting any forced displacement. The United Nations and international legal experts have also warned that such rhetoric escalates tensions and could pave the way for further atrocities.
Even within the U.S., Trump’s remarks have been met with criticism from lawmakers and civil rights organizations who recognize the dangers of endorsing policies that violate fundamental human rights. Critics argue that advocating for Palestinian expulsion aligns with far-right Israeli extremists who have long called for the depopulation of Gaza and the West Bank.
CAIR Action calls on U.S. lawmakers to unequivocally reject President Trump’s proposal and reaffirm their commitment to upholding international law and human rights. The U.S. must not entertain policies that promote ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, or the further suffering of Palestinian civilians. Instead, it should work toward an immediate and lasting ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and a just resolution that guarantees Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.
CAIR Action also urges Americans of all backgrounds to speak out against efforts to normalize the dispossession of Palestinians and to support initiatives that promote justice, accountability, and human rights for all people in the region.
CAIR Action is a 501(c)(4) organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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Contact: Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, [email protected]
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
