Pro-Palestine groups denounce Trump, Australian Jewish groups divided on President’s plan for Gaza
Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” and rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip has triggered a mixed reaction from Australian Jewish groups but been openly condemned by pro-Palestine advocacy groups, accusing him of “ethnic cleansing”.
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Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” and rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip region - including removing all Palestinians - has sparked a mixed reaction from Australian Jewish groups, but been openly condemned by Palestinians, who accuse him of “ethnic cleansing”.
Australia’s peak Jewish body, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed Trump’s announcement yesterday to reconstruct the region, but distanced itself from a plan to permanently resettle Arabs outside the devastated territory.
“We favour the comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza as a peaceful, prosperous territory as was envisaged following Israel’s unilateral withdrawal in 2005 and was wholly thwarted by Hamas, which will first need to be completely dismantled and have no role in the administration or governance of Gaza,” ECAJ president Daniel Aghion said.
“The question of whether some Gazans choose to remain in the territory through this process, temporarily relocate, or are permanently absorbed by neighbouring states, is ultimately a decision for those affected, most of all, Gaza’s civilian population.”.
Other Jewish organisations including The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council and The Australian Jewish Association supported Trump’s takeover plan with executive director Dr Colin Rubenstein saying “Some Gazans may welcome the plan to relocate,”.
“But to forcibly evacuate Gazans should be unthinkable and this idea should be dropped.”
“Trump’s most controversial to relocate Gazans to facilitate rebuilding there is a process that will be complicated and difficult, given the Hamas tunnels as well as booby traps and unexploded ordinance, and Hamas’ tradition of stealing aid.”
AJA ECO Robert Gregory said a two-state solution would never work.
“President Trump thinks outside the box. His record of bringing peace between Israel and Arab countries like the UAE speaks for itself - we welcome his proposal which has the potential to reshape the Middle East and put a stop to the never-ending conflicts,” he said.
The Palestine Action Group’s Josh Lees added: “Trump’s plan for genocide in Gaza has ripped up the Gaza ceasefire deal, instead openly declaring the US’s plan to continue the genocide.”
Meanwhile, Sydney-based Palestine Action Group announced an emergency protest to oppose Trump’s plan at Sydney Town Hall on Friday 6pm on Friday.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) urged Australia to denounce what it calls Trump’s endorsement of “ethnic cleansing” of 1.8 million Gazans after he even mused that American troops would be sent in as part of a “long-term ownership position” to redevelop the “hellhole”.
“Australia must not sit by in silence while the leaders of the US and Israel openly and in broad daylight incite genocidal violence against, and the permanent displacement of, Palestinians,” APAN President Nasser Mashni said.
“Trump’s proposals are not just reckless – they are a calculated attack on Palestinians and on humanity itself.
“The Australian government is bound to uphold international law, and it must not shy away from confronting the menace of the US and Israel head-on,” he said.
“These abhorrent statements are direct threats not only to the lives of millions of Palestinians, but also to the very system of international law and norms that should protect human rights and sovereignty.”
Originally published as Pro-Palestine groups denounce Trump, Australian Jewish groups divided on President’s plan for Gaza
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