Halimah Yacob Slams Trump’s Proposal to ‘Take Over’ Gaza and Relocate Palestinians
Former Singapore President Halimah Yacob has strongly condemned recent remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Gaza Strip, describing his proposals as “truly horrifying” and a “clear violation of international laws”. Speaking via a Facebook post on 5 February 2025, Halimah criticized Trump’s suggestion for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza, “level” the territory, and relocate Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan. Her comments reflect growing global outrage over Trump’s controversial remarks, made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he suggested transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
Trump’s Controversial Gaza Proposal
During a press conference on 5 February 2025, Trump, flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced plans to “level” Gaza, “take over” the territory, and resettle Palestinians in Egypt and Jordan. He described his vision of Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East”, sparking outrage for dismissing Palestinian sovereignty and human rights.
Halimah Yacob’s Strong Rebuttal
Responding via Facebook, Halimah Yacob condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them “truly horrifying” and labeling the proposal a “clear violation of international laws”. She expressed solidarity with Palestinians, referencing the Nakba of 1948—a mass displacement of Palestinians—as a painful historical parallel, warning against the creation of a “second Nakba”.
Global Condemnation and Regional Responses
Trump’s comments drew swift backlash from international leaders. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed Halimah’s sentiments, aligning Malaysia’s stance with other Islamic nations opposing the forced relocation of Palestinians. Egypt and Jordan also rejected the idea, citing security risks and their limited capacity to absorb more refugees.
U.S. Diplomacy in Damage Control
Following the backlash, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to clarify Trump’s remarks, stating the plan involved temporary relocation for reconstruction purposes, not permanent displacement. However, critics labeled this as an attempt to downplay the severity of Trump’s proposals, with many still viewing it as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Humanitarian and Legal Concerns
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned Trump’s rhetoric, warning of its potential to escalate tensions and undermine peace efforts in the region. Legal experts criticized the plan as a breach of international law, particularly regarding the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of occupied populations.
This issue highlights the importance of international diplomacy in maintaining regional stability. Singapore’s strong stance reflects its commitment to upholding international law and human rights. For international visitors, the situation may lead to heightened tensions in the Middle East, potentially affecting global security, travel advisories, and foreign relations, particularly for countries engaged in diplomatic or economic ties with the region.
Sources: Mothership SG, Yahoo News (2025)
Keywords: Singapore, Gaza, Halimah Yacob, Donald Trump, Israel, Palestine, Netanyahu, International Law, US Foreign Policy, Middle East, Nakba, Human Rights, Global Response
