Muslim Council of Britain condemns Trump’s Gaza plan, calls for urgent global action

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has called for "urgent international action" to rebuild Gaza and halt the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.

In a statement, the MCB emphasized that the destruction caused by Israel in Gaza requires an international effort on a scale similar to the post-World War II reconstruction of cities like Berlin and Tokyo.

Key points from statement

The MCB stressed that the rebuilding of Gaza must involve restoring communities and preserving cultural heritage, much like the reconstruction of Berlin and Tokyo after World War II. The statement also highlighted that such efforts can be successful without forcibly displacing the local population.
The MCB strongly condemned any proposals that suggest relocating Palestinians, either temporarily or permanently, as part of Gaza’s reconstruction. The council argued that these proposals amount to "ethnic cleansing" and violate international law.
The group expressed concern that U.S. President Donald Trump is currently the only prominent figure advocating for Gaza's reconstruction. The MCB criticized the lack of international urgency on this issue and warned that it has led to unacceptable proposals, including the forced relocation of Palestinians.
The statement pointed out that some people consider the idea of forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza “acceptable,” which the MCB called deeply troubling.

Palestinians gather in front of Yahya Sinwar's house as Israeli hostages to be released as part of the ceasefire and prisoner and hostage swap agreement in Khan Younis, Gaza on Jan. 30, 2025. (AA Photo)

Calls for firm stance

Dr. Wajid Akhter, General Secretary of the MCB, called on the U.K. government to take a firm stance against such “inhumane proposals” and to demonstrate real leadership in efforts to rebuild Gaza.

"We urge Muslim nations to move beyond solidarity and take urgent, concrete actions. Rebuilding Gaza without displacement is not only possible, but it is the only acceptable solution," he added.

United States President Donald Trump (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) hold a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States on Feb. 4, 2025. (AA Photo)

Background

Trump’s Gaza plan: President Trump recently proposed that the U.S. take control of the Gaza Strip and be responsible for clearing unexploded bombs, weapons and debris. He also suggested that Palestinians should be relocated to new settlements in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. Trump argued that this would be better for the displaced Palestinians.
Trump’s remarks: During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “The U.S. will take control of Gaza, and we will take action there. We will own it and be responsible for removing all dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons, as well as clearing the wreckage.”

February 05, 2025 04:18 PM GMT+03:00