We express our strongest disagreement with President Trump’s remarks proposing US ownership of the Gaza Strip, and his commitment to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This statement, from the US Administration, represents a deplorable disengagement from human rights and international law.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“The rights of the Palestinian people must be respected, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is the home of Palestinians and cannot be stripped away by the US administration. Furthermore, the recent announcement does not only undermine the delicate diplomatic progress made but also jeopardises the fragile three-phase truce negotiated between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire agreement, which began on 19 January, has provided a critical lifeline for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, offering momentary respite amid widespread devastation. The planned second phase of negotiations now hangs in precarious balance, but it must be continued/implemented in line with the agreement.”
We condemn the escalating violence in the West Bank, where continued attacks only deepen the cycle of conflict and human suffering.
Hamas’ false narrative of military triumph should not compromise actions to support the innocent civilians who have been devastated by this violence.
As the PES, we continue to defend and support the view that the path to lasting peace lies in a two-state solution, anchored on recognition, and the fundamental rights of both Palestinian and Israeli peoples being respected. Peace can only emerge through dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to shared humanity. The cycle of bloodshed which began with the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7th, 2023, can never repeat.
