11.11.11 calls for sharp condemnation of Trump's Gaza plans
The international solidarity organisation 11.11.11 has strongly condemned US president Donald Trump’s recent statements on Gaza, calling them "ethnic cleansing" and urging the Belgian government and the international community to take a firm stance. The NGO criticised Trump’s reported plans to expel Palestinians and redevelop Gaza into "a Riviera of the Middle East."
"Now is the time for clear action and resistance against this dangerous and immoral plan," the organisation stated. "No one can, may and will accept a new Nakba on steroids," referencing the 1948 displacement of Palestinians.
11.11.11 noted that Gaza is home to a large Palestinian population and that voluntary departure is unrealistic. "Their right to return is recognised by international law and cannot simply be swept aside. Trump's statements are a frontal attack on fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law (…) they pose a direct threat to stability in the Middle East and beyond," the group stated
Call to Belgian leaders
The organisation also called on Belgian leaders to take a clear position. "The Arizona coalition confirmed the importance of a rules-based international order in the coalition agreement," it noted, arguing that prime minister Bart De Wever and his government must respond. "We call on all Belgian politicians, regardless of their party, function or level of government, to speak out openly against this dangerous rhetoric. The dangerous bidding that is currently underway must be stopped. This can only happen if leaders speak out publicly and clearly against these plans."
Additionally, 11.11.11 urged the European Union and the broader international community to oppose the proposal and prevent further annexation of Palestinian territory. "The only path to peace and stability in the region is a just solution that respects international law and guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people."
Finally, the NGO called on the media to accurately frame Trump’s proposal. "This is a proposal for ethnic cleansing," it stated, highlighting that media outlets have a responsibility "in times of disinformation and normalisation of extreme violence and human rights violations." Downplaying these statements, the organisation warned, would undermine public debate.
Hamas response
The Palestinian extremist group Hamas also rejected Trump's statements. According to Hamas leader Sami Zuhri, the American's discourse is a "recipe for chaos in the Middle East." "Our people in Gaza will not allow these plans to be implemented. What is needed is an end to the occupation and aggression against our people, not their expulsion from their land," the statement said.
Netanyahu in the US
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to the US earlier this week to understand where the Trump administration stood on the next phase of a ceasefire in Gaza. The two leaders addressed reporters at the White House on Tuesday, where Trump stated, "The United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, and we will do a good job. We will own it and we will ensure the dismantling of all dangerous unexploded bombs and weapons." He continued, saying that the US will "flatten the area and clear the destroyed buildings" in order to develop the region economically. The plan would create "thousands of jobs".
Netanyahu finished the press conference, stating, "To secure our future and bring peace to our region, we must finish the job."
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US president Donald Trump hold a joint news conference on 4 February, 2025 at the White House. © PHOTO CHRIS KLEPONIS / CNP via ZUMA PRESS WIRE
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