Arab News Japan

TOKYO: “President Trump should look at the people and history of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip and withdraw his proposal” for the United States to take control of Gaza and relocate its population, an editorial in the Nishi Nippon newspaper has stated.

“Far from bringing about peace in the Middle East, this is an outrageous idea that will only exacerbate the chaos,” it said, adding that forcibly expelling Palestinians from Gaza is against international law and goes against the two-state solution for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

“It is an act that can be considered ethnic cleansing,” the editorial said. “It is not feasible. Egypt and Jordan, which were considered as possible destinations for relocation, have rejected the idea. This is a shallow plan that ignores history.”

The paper accused Trump of “confusing the international community with his unpredictable statements and policies. What the US, which has great influence in the Middle East, must do now is to make the ceasefire permanent, which is a major prerequisite for the reconstruction of Gaza.”

Trump’s position and statements could have a negative influence on achieving a permanent ceasefire, it added. With around 70 percent of all buildings in Gaza damaged or destroyed, the editorial pointed out that reconstruction will take 10 to 15 years.

“I would like the US to demonstrate its presence in supporting reconstruction efforts and working with the residents to rebuild the economy and create jobs, not developing resorts. The Trump administration’s strange policies should be criticized by the government,” the editorial concluded.