Australia would not back ‘forced displacement’ of Palestinians in Gaza: Labor minister

A senior minister has suggested parts of Trump’s plan to take “ownership” of Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East” could violate international law.

Labor frontbencher Katy Gallagher says Australia would not support the “forced displacement” of Palestinians in Gaza as part of Donald Trump’s plan to take “ownership” of the Palestinian territory, suggesting it could violate international law.

The US President’s plan to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” dumped decades of foreign policy, sparking global backlash and fuelling uncertainty in the capitals of Washington’s allies.

Under the plan, the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza would be resettled — where and how remains unclear.

Several Middle East governments swiftly condemned the policy shift, warning that an influx of Palestinians to nearby countries would destabilise the region.

Palestinian officials have also rejected the idea that Gazans would leave their war-torn home voluntarily, as suggested by Mr Trump.

US President Donald Trump says the US will take ‘ownership’ of Gaza. Picture: Jim Watson / AFP

The Albanese government has been questioned all week over how far it would back Mr Trump’s plan but stuck closely to Australia’s bipartisan position for a two-state solution.

Senator Gallagher on Sunday reaffirmed Labor’s position for “a two-state solution that supports the rights of the Palestinian people, the state of Palestine, and the state of Israel to coexist peacefully”.

But the Finance Minister said international law had to be abided by, and suggested parts of the proposed plan could go against that.

“We have made clear what our position is ... and that the conflict in the Middle East is resolved as soon as possible and peacefully, and in accordance with international law,” she said.

Pressed, she said that Anthony Albanese had “been clear” that “ all matters are dealt with in accordance with international law”.

Asked if a country taking control of Gaza was in line with international law, Senator Gallagher said: “If you’re talking forced displacement ... that is not consistent with international law.”

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher says Australia would not support the ‘forced displacement’ of Palestinians in Gaza as part of Donald Trump’s plan to take “ownership” of the Palestinian territory. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

She repeated that the Albanese government had been “very clear and consistent” in its position.

“I understand Peter Dutton has confirmed his commitment to a two-state solution as well,” she said.

Indeed, the Opposition Leader this week reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution.

He also praised Mr Trump as a “big thinker and a deal maker”.

Reporters and policy analysts alike have been trying to piece together what a US takeover of Gaza would look like, with several details changing since Mr Trump first announced the plan.

He first did not rule out deploying US troops, but walked that back after a wave of criticism from his America first base.

Meanwhile, his White House press secretary told reporters Mr Trump did not plan to use US taxpayer dollars to fund the reconstruction of Gaza, raising further questions about where the money would come from.

Originally published as Australia would not back ‘forced displacement’ of Palestinians in Gaza: Labor minister