Muslim Nations Reject Trump’s Call to Empty Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s call to permanently remove Gaza’s Palestinian population, denouncing it as ethnic cleansing. Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Muslim leaders backed an Egyptian-led plan for a Palestinian administrative committee to govern Gaza’s reconstruction instead. The decision comes amid growing uncertainty over the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, with Israel blocking aid shipments until Hamas releases more hostages.
OIC’s Response to Trump’s Gaza Proposal: Quick Look
- OIC Condemns Trump’s Gaza Plan
- 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) rejects displacement of Gazans.
- Calls proposal “a grave violation of international law”.
- Backing for Gaza Reconstruction Plan
- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan support Palestinian-led administration for Gaza.
- New governing body would replace Hamas and report to the Palestinian Authority.
- Israel-Hamas Ceasefire in Jeopardy
- Israel demands Hamas release more hostages before allowing humanitarian aid.
- Food, fuel, and medicine remain blocked from Gaza.
- Trump’s Position on Gaza
- Suggests Gaza’s population should be resettled elsewhere permanently.
- Proposes U.S. development of the territory for other uses.
- Syria Reinstated to OIC
- Syria rejoins the OIC after being suspended in 2012.
- Bashar Assad’s ouster in December led to transitional government control.
Deep Look: Muslim Nations Reject Trump’s Gaza Plan, Back PA-Led Governance
OIC Condemns Trump’s Call for Displacement
In a major rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to reject his proposal to resettle Gaza’s Palestinian population elsewhere.
Their official statement denounced such plans as “ethnic cleansing, a grave violation of international law, and a crime against humanity.”
Without explicitly naming Trump, the 57-member alliance of Muslim-majority nations condemned what they described as “policies of starvation” aimed at forcing Palestinians to leave Gaza.
Egyptian-Led Plan Gains Support
Instead of Trump’s resettlement strategy, OIC leaders backed an Egyptian-led initiative to rebuild Gaza under new Palestinian leadership.
The plan proposes that an administrative committee—operating under the Palestinian Authority (PA)—take over Gaza’s governance.
“This is about ensuring Gaza’s long-term stability without forced displacement,” said an Egyptian diplomatic source.
While Israel has rejected any PA role in Gaza, it has not offered an alternative governance structure for the territory.
Ceasefire on the Brink as Israel Blocks Aid
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which began in mid-January, is at serious risk:
- Israel refuses to enter Phase Two of the ceasefire agreement, which was supposed to lead to:
- The release of all hostages
- A permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Instead, Israel demands Hamas free more hostages first
- All humanitarian aid into Gaza has been blocked since Sunday
“This is collective punishment,” said a Palestinian aid worker in Gaza City. “Hospitals and homes are running out of fuel and food.”
Trump’s Position: U.S. Should “Develop Gaza”
Trump has proposed that Gaza’s population be permanently relocated, allowing the United States to take over and develop the land.
His idea has been widely condemned, with Palestinian leaders rejecting any mass displacement.
“We will never leave our homeland,” said a senior Hamas official.
Meanwhile, Trump hinted at expanding sanctions on Russia—even as his recent rhetoric has been more conciliatory toward Putin.
Syria Rejoins OIC After 12-Year Suspension
One of the major side developments of the OIC meeting was Syria’s reinstatement into the organization.
- Syria was removed in 2012 for Bashar Assad’s brutal crackdown on opposition protests.
- Assad was overthrown in December 2024 by Islamist insurgents.
- The OIC now recognizes Syria’s transitional government.
What’s Next?
- Israel faces mounting pressure to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- Trump’s resettlement plan is widely rejected, but will the U.S. push forward with it?
- OIC’s backing of an Egyptian-led Gaza administration sets up a possible confrontation with Israel.
- Potential sanctions on Russia remain on the table, even as Trump maintains a softer tone toward Putin.
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