Baerbock strongly criticizes Trump's Gaza plan

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock denounces Trump's plan for Gaza, affirming that Palestinians must remain in their land.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks during a session of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, in Berlin, Germany, on January 31, 2025. Photo by Nadja Wohlleben/Reuters

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a strong statement regarding the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, asserting that the region belongs to the Palestinian people and that any proposal for their expulsion would be in violation of international law. Baerbock’s comments come in response to a controversial plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump a day earlier, which suggested that the U.S. could take control of Gaza following the resettlement of Palestinians to other regions.

“It would also lead to new suffering and new hatred,” Baerbock said in her statement, expressing her deep concern about the long-term repercussions of such a proposal. She further added, “There must be no solution over the heads of the Palestinians,” emphasizing the importance of involving Palestinians in any decision regarding their land.

Trump’s controversial plan, which caught many by surprise, proposes a solution that would see the U.S. taking over the war-torn Gaza Strip and developing it economically after the displacement of Palestinians. The plan suggests that Palestinians would be resettled elsewhere, allowing for the reconstruction of Gaza under U.S. supervision.

This proposal has been met with widespread criticism, especially from international leaders and organizations that have long advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that such a move would exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, creating further instability in an already volatile region.

Trump, who has previously faced criticism for his handling of Middle East affairs, has insisted that the plan would bring peace and stability to Gaza. He described the initiative as a potential opportunity for Palestinians to prosper economically, under the guidance of the U.S. and its allies.

Baerbock's stance on Palestinian sovereignty

Baerbock, who has been a vocal advocate for human rights and international law, firmly rejected Trump’s plan, stating that the Gaza Strip is not for sale or to be controlled by any foreign power. She stressed the importance of respecting Palestinian sovereignty, pointing out that their rights must be at the forefront of any diplomatic efforts.

“The Gaza Strip is Palestinian territory, and there is no justification for their expulsion,” Baerbock said, underlining that the Palestinians’ right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Her comments reflect Germany’s broader stance on the issue, which has long supported a negotiated solution between Israel and the Palestinians that respects both parties’ rights to exist peacefully in the region.

Her remarks were also aimed at reinforcing the international community’s commitment to the principles of human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations. By rejecting Trump’s plan, Baerbock is aligning Germany with those who believe that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation, not unilateral actions.

The potential implementation of Trump’s Gaza plan would likely have far-reaching consequences for the region. Gaza has been under blockade for over a decade, with severe economic hardship and widespread suffering for its inhabitants. While the U.S. government has proposed this new initiative as a means of alleviating Gaza’s crisis, many experts are concerned that forcibly displacing Palestinians would only deepen the humanitarian crisis and ignite further conflict.

“The expulsion of Palestinians would not lead to peace; it would only lead to more violence and despair,” said one Middle East expert. “It is vital that any solution respects the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.”

Trump’s plan also faces significant opposition from Palestinians and their allies, who view it as a direct violation of their territorial rights. For many, the proposal echoes past colonial practices of displacement and domination, which have fueled anger and mistrust toward the West.

While Baerbock’s rejection of Trump’s plan represents Germany’s position on the matter, other countries have also weighed in on the proposal. Many European nations have expressed concerns over the humanitarian implications of the plan and have reiterated their support for a peaceful resolution based on the principles of international law and respect for human rights.

France, for example, quickly issued a statement expressing its opposition to the idea of resettling Palestinians and insisted that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace. Similar statements were made by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, all of which emphasized the importance of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians to ensure a just and lasting peace.

On the other hand, some factions within the U.S. government have expressed support for the plan, arguing that it could provide a new approach to the long-standing conflict in the region. However, even within the U.S., there has been a divide, with some policymakers raising concerns about the practicality and fairness of the proposal.

The broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained one of the most intractable and polarizing issues in international diplomacy. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks and the establishment of frameworks such as the Oslo Accords and the Roadmap for Peace, the region continues to experience cycles of violence and diplomatic deadlock.

At the heart of the conflict is the dispute over land, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming historical and religious ties to the land of Palestine. Over the years, various peace initiatives have been put forward, but none have succeeded in bringing about a lasting resolution.

The U.S. has traditionally played a central role in brokering peace efforts, but Trump’s policies in the Middle East have been met with mixed reactions. His administration’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 2017, for instance, led to widespread protests and condemnation from Palestinian leaders and their supporters.

Trump’s Gaza proposal is seen by many as a continuation of this approach, with some critics accusing him of sidelining the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in favor of a solution that prioritizes Israeli and U.S. interests.

As the debate over Trump’s Gaza plan continues to unfold, the future of the Gaza Strip remains uncertain. The humanitarian situation in the region has only worsened in recent years, with millions of Palestinians living in dire conditions due to the blockade, lack of basic services, and ongoing violence.

For Baerbock and other leaders who oppose Trump’s plan, the solution lies in respecting the rights of the Palestinian people and supporting a negotiated settlement that ensures their dignity and sovereignty. This approach is rooted in the belief that only through dialogue and mutual respect can the cycle of violence be broken and peace achieved.

As discussions about the Gaza Strip’s future continue, the international community’s role in fostering peace and protecting human rights will be crucial in shaping the path forward. For now, the question remains: will there be a way forward that honors the rights of Palestinians while ensuring lasting peace in the region?