Monitor

Iraq warns against efforts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed deep concern over the “escalating situation in the West Bank” and warned against any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians in Gaza, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During a meeting with Jibril Rajoub, Chairman of the Palestinian Higher Council for Youth and Sports and Secretary-General of the Fatah Central Committee, Hussein stated, “He reiterated Iraq’s firm rejection of any attempts to impose forced displacement on the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

Recent proposals have emerged advocating the relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump has supported the idea of moving Gaza residents to these nations, describing Gaza as a “demolition site.” However, both Egypt and Jordan have rejected the proposal.

Statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received Jibril Rajoub, Chairman of the Palestinian Higher Council for Youth and Sports and Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the Fatah Movement, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Rajoub was accompanied by the Palestinian Ambassador to Iraq, Ahmed Al-Ruweidi, in the presence of the President of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Darjal.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in Palestine, recent events in the Palestinian arena, and ways to find suitable solutions to address current challenges.

The minister expressed concern over the escalating situation in the West Bank, warning of the risks of expanding the war and attempts to depopulate Palestinian territories. He reiterated Iraq’s firm rejection of any attempts to impose forced displacement on the Palestinian people in Gaza.

He also reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast and principled position in supporting the Palestinian cause, emphasizing Iraq’s readiness to make every effort to support the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, particularly their right to establish an independent state.

For his part, Rajoub stressed Palestine’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iraq in various fields, praising the deep historical ties between the two countries and affirming the unity of their positions and shared principles.