Malaysia labels Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza 'ethnic cleansing'

[MALAYSIA] Malaysia has strongly condemned a recent proposal by former US President Donald Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, calling the plan "ethnic cleansing." The comments, made during a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have raised alarm among Southeast Asian nations, who have unanimously rejected the idea. The plan, which Trump outlined as part of a broader strategy for long-term ownership of Gaza by the United States, includes forcibly removing Palestinian residents from the territory.

In response to the proposal, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) collectively agree that such a move is unacceptable. He emphasized that the ASEAN nations do not support any actions that violate international laws, including human rights, the Geneva Convention, or UN charters.

In a parliamentary session, Mohamad clarified that Malaysia, as the chair of ASEAN for this year, stands firm in its position against any violations of international law. He further underlined that the ASEAN bloc, as well as Malaysia, rejects any policy that infringes on the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people.

This is the first time ASEAN has issued a joint position on a matter of US foreign policy since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. The condemnation of Trump’s Gaza plan signals a growing concern within the Southeast Asian bloc regarding potential breaches of human rights and international law in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Trump’s remarks, which were initially made without much elaboration, have since been adjusted by his spokeswoman. However, the original proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza has continued to provoke widespread anxiety and outrage. Many Palestinians have already endured nearly a year and a half of ongoing conflict in the region, and the prospect of forced displacement only adds to their hardships.

The term “ethnic cleansing” has been used by critics of Trump’s plan to describe the forced removal of Palestinians, as it implies an attempt to erase or remove an entire ethnic group from their homeland. This description has significant historical weight, evoking memories of past genocidal acts, and underscores the severity of the proposed actions.

International observers and human rights organizations have voiced concerns that such a plan would violate several fundamental principles of international law. The forced relocation of civilians, especially in a context of ongoing military conflict, is widely regarded as a form of ethnic cleansing, which is prohibited under various international treaties and conventions.

The backlash against Trump’s plan highlights the deep divisions that remain over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East peace process. While some nations, particularly Israel and its allies, have expressed support for proposals that would reshape Gaza’s future, many countries, especially in the Muslim world, have condemned any attempts to displace the Palestinian population.

The response from ASEAN nations, led by Malaysia, reflects the region’s commitment to upholding human rights and its solidarity with the Palestinian people. ASEAN’s collective stance against the plan also demonstrates a united front in opposing actions that could further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

As the debate over Trump’s Gaza proposal continues, it remains to be seen how other international actors, including the United Nations and the European Union, will respond to the growing concerns about potential human rights violations. The situation in Gaza remains fragile, and any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences for both regional stability and global peace.

Malaysia’s condemnation of Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza as "ethnic cleansing" represents a firm stance against actions that violate international law and human rights. ASEAN’s collective rejection of the proposal underscores the region’s commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of civilian rights in conflict zones. The ongoing crisis in Gaza requires a balanced and diplomatic approach, one that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all people involved, and seeks a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.