Iraq condemns proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza as ‘flagrant violation of international law’

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sharply denounced any proposals or attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their homeland, particularly from Gaza, which remains mired in violence and human rights violations.

In early February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, even suggesting that the U.S. could “take over” and redevelop the Gaza Strip. This proposal was met with widespread condemnation.

“These calls represent a flagrant violation of international law and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their land and nation,” the ministry said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The statement reiterated Iraq’s “principled and unwavering stance” against any attempts to depopulate Gaza of its original inhabitants, whether through forced displacement or other means, warning that such actions would pose “a grave threat to regional stability and further fuel conflict.” It also urged the international community to “fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities” by opposing efforts to displace Palestinians. “The international community must act decisively to protect the Palestinians’ legitimate rights to live in safety and dignity in their homeland,” it read.

Last month, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned against any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza during a meeting with Jibril Rajoub, Chairman of the Palestinian Higher Council for Youth and Sports.