International leaders voiced strong disapproval following President Trump's unexpected announcement to transform the Gaza Strip into a "Middle Eastern Riviera" and relocate its Palestinian residents. The controversial plan, unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hinted at potential U.S. military involvement, with Trump stating Washington would "take over" Gaza. While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that no commitment to military deployment or funding had been made, the proposal drew immediate criticism from various world leaders.

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Reuters/Leah Millis)

Saudi Arabia, a key player in the region, rejected the plan and reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution as a prerequisite for normalized relations with Israel. The UAE, a signatory of the Abraham Accords, also expressed strong opposition to any violation of Palestinian rights and displacement efforts. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, condemned the proposal, emphasizing the need to end Israeli occupation. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed that Gaza is an integral part of Palestine, alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Iran also communicated its disagreement with the displacement of Palestinians.

Aftermath of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City (AP/Adel Hana)

Across Europe, leaders echoed the disapproval. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for Palestinians to return home and rebuild. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock declared Gaza's belonging to Palestine under international law and warned against displacement. Russia reiterated its support for a two-state solution. France stressed the importance of a future Palestinian state encompassing Gaza. China opposed forced displacement and advocated for a political settlement based on the two-state solution. Turkey deemed the proposal "unacceptable," predicting further conflict if Palestinians are excluded from the process.

Palestinians hoping for aid at the Gaza Pier (Reuters/Ramadan Abed/File Photo)

Further afield, Australia reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution. In South America, Brazilian President Lula da Silva criticized the proposal as "bravado" and questioned its practicality, emphasizing that Palestinians should be responsible for Gaza.

Palestinians leaving al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City (AP Photo/Abed Khaled)