Vatican Rejects Trump's Plan for Gaza Relocation
Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasizes the right of Palestinians to remain in Gaza amid criticism of US policy.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State for the Vatican, has publicly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and take control of the territory.
This statement marks the second strong condemnation of Trump's policy from a high-ranking Catholic official within the week.
During an event held in Rome on Thursday evening, Cardinal Parolin stated, "No to relocation, and this is one of the key points." The Vatican’s official news agency quoted him as saying, "Everyone who was born and has lived in Gaza should remain on their land."
Parolin described Trump's plan as "not logical," asserting that the forced displacement of Palestinians could exacerbate tensions in the region.
He reiterated the Vatican's longstanding call for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Reactions to Trump's proposal, which suggests permanent resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza in favor of developing the area into a beach resort under U.S. control, have drawn anger across the Arab world and concern from European powers.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan characterized the plan as a significant threat to international peace.
Parolin's comments came two days after Pope Francis delivered a stark criticism of the Trump administration in an open letter, condemning its recent crackdown on undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
The Pope highlighted that it is erroneous to assume all undocumented migrants are criminals and referred to Trump's plan to deport millions of immigrants as "shameful."
On February 4, President Trump disclosed plans alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to take control of Gaza following the displacement of its Palestinian population.
Since January 25, Trump has been advocating for the resettlement of Gazan Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Both nations, alongside other Arab states and regional organizations, have rejected this notion.
Furthermore, from October 7, 2023, to January 19, 2025, Israel, with full American support, has faced allegations of committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in approximately 160,000 casualties among Palestinians, including many children and women, with over 14,000 reported missing.
This statement marks the second strong condemnation of Trump's policy from a high-ranking Catholic official within the week.
During an event held in Rome on Thursday evening, Cardinal Parolin stated, "No to relocation, and this is one of the key points." The Vatican’s official news agency quoted him as saying, "Everyone who was born and has lived in Gaza should remain on their land."
Parolin described Trump's plan as "not logical," asserting that the forced displacement of Palestinians could exacerbate tensions in the region.
He reiterated the Vatican's longstanding call for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Reactions to Trump's proposal, which suggests permanent resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza in favor of developing the area into a beach resort under U.S. control, have drawn anger across the Arab world and concern from European powers.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan characterized the plan as a significant threat to international peace.
Parolin's comments came two days after Pope Francis delivered a stark criticism of the Trump administration in an open letter, condemning its recent crackdown on undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
The Pope highlighted that it is erroneous to assume all undocumented migrants are criminals and referred to Trump's plan to deport millions of immigrants as "shameful."
On February 4, President Trump disclosed plans alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to take control of Gaza following the displacement of its Palestinian population.
Since January 25, Trump has been advocating for the resettlement of Gazan Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Both nations, alongside other Arab states and regional organizations, have rejected this notion.
Furthermore, from October 7, 2023, to January 19, 2025, Israel, with full American support, has faced allegations of committing genocide in Gaza, resulting in approximately 160,000 casualties among Palestinians, including many children and women, with over 14,000 reported missing.
