President Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and remove its 2 million Palestinian residents has been widely condemned by the international community, citing it as a clear violation of international law.
Forced deportation is considered a war crime and a crime against humanity under international humanitarian law, which prohibits the transfer of civilians. The Rome Statute lists this as both a war crime and a crime against humanity. Even if the displacement targets a particular group based on their ethnic, religious or national identity, it’s also considered persecution.
Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza has been met with fierce opposition from the United Nations, US allies and foes alike. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the plan as “ethnic cleansing,” while many countries have condemned Trump’s remarks on the forced removal of Palestinians.
The right to return is also a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gaza remains extremely dangerous to civilians due to unexploded bombs and infrastructure damage, making it difficult for Palestinians to be allowed to return after a potential US takeover.
International law prohibits annexation without consent, with many countries recognizing Palestine as a state. The International Court of Justice has ruled that the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination within Gaza.
Trump’s attitude towards international law has raised concerns about his commitment to defending global institutions and rules. Disregarding these principles could send a message that the US is not committed to upholding them in other contexts, such as potential Chinese aggression in Taiwan.
Critics warn that normalizing conquest and disregarding legal rules could lead to a world that’s “incredibly dangerous” for Americans. The international community has called on Trump to reconsider his plan, emphasizing the need for respect for international law and global institutions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/world/middleeast/international-law-trump-gaza.html