Several Malaysian NGOs have strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposal regarding Gaza, which includes plans for population displacement and economic projects.
Critics argue the proposal ignores the severe humanitarian and environmental crisis in the region.
On 10 February, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Friends of the Earth Malaysia), together with Friends of the Earth Asia Pacific, issued a joint statement denouncing Trump’s remarks.
The NGOs warned that the proposal would have devastating consequences for the environment and social justice.
They described the forced removal of people from their land as ethnic cleansing, a violation of international law, and a war crime.
Trump calls Gaza a ‘real estate development for the future’ in controversial proposal
On 5 February, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump first announced his plan for the U.S. to “take over” and “own” Gaza after relocating Palestinians elsewhere.
In an interview with Fox News on 10 February, Trump reiterated his plans for the U.S. to maintain a “long-term ownership position” in Gaza.
He stated that “great people” in the Middle East could fund the reconstruction process. When asked whether Palestinians would have the right to return, he responded that they would not because they “will have much better housing.”
“Much better – in other words, I’m talking about building a permanent place for them,” Trump said. He added that nearly all buildings in Gaza were unlivable and proposed demolishing them to create new developments.
“No more Hamas. There’s no Hamas there. There’s nobody there. We move them into beautiful areas of the Middle East,” he explained.
NGO leader condemns Trump’s plan, highlights environmental destruction in Gaza
Meenakshi Raman, President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, criticised Trump’s proposal, highlighting the environmental devastation caused by over 15 months of continuous Israeli bombardment.
“The destruction of urban areas has led to widespread environmental degradation, water contamination, and destruction of agricultural land, worsening the already dire living conditions for Palestinians,” she stated.
The NGOs called for international action, emphasising the environmental and humanitarian consequences of the war.
They argued that the deliberate targeting of water facilities, power grids, and agricultural land amounted to ecocide, leaving millions without access to clean water and exposing them to disease.
“This is not just a war on people but a war on the environment — one that will have long-term consequences for regional stability and the climate,” the statement read.
Raman warned that any forced displacement of Palestinians would worsen the ecological crisis, increasing pressure on fragile ecosystems and worsening water scarcity in host regions.
“Any so-called ‘reconstruction’ efforts that ignore environmental and social justice concerns will only deepen the suffering of the Palestinian people,” she added.
NGOs outline urgent demands for environmental and humanitarian accountability in Gaza
The NGOs listed key demands, including:
- Ending environmental injustice: Israel and its allies must be held accountable for ecological devastation in Gaza, including air and water contamination.
- Accountability for war crimes against the environment: Attacks on infrastructure violate international environmental and humanitarian law.
- Sustainable reconstruction: Gaza must be rebuilt with a focus on clean water, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
- Respect for human rights and justice: The international community must reject any plan that perpetuates occupation, displacement, and environmental destruction.
“The world cannot remain silent while an environmental and humanitarian disaster unfolds,” the NGOs stated, calling for urgent global intervention.
Trump’s controversial proposal has also drawn widespread international criticism.
The United Nations has stated that any forced displacement of Palestinians would violate international law.
Regional allies have also voiced strong opposition. Egypt’s foreign ministry rejected any move that would compromise Palestinian rights, insisting that Palestinians must remain on their land.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington this week, with discussions expected to include the controversial plan.
Separately, former Singapore President Halimah Yacob denounced Trump’s plan as “truly horrifying.” She criticised his proposal to “take over” Gaza, likening it to the 1948 Nakba and questioning its implications for ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
