As someone who sought asylum in the UK to help his family escape persecution, I know what it's like to be uprooted. The trauma of losing one's roots leaves scars that will never heal. People define who they are, so they embrace their hometown. To expect that it's not is cruel and naive. No one should be forced to rebuild their lives simply because their very existence makes powerful profits inconvenient.
Trump's proposal is reeks of both ignorance and rog arrogance. Does he really believe that Palestinians who survived bombs, hunger and almost total destruction will be persuaded to leave on a half-hearted sales pitch? Many Palestinians want to endure the unimaginable suffering in their land rather than refuge in order to live in what is called comfort elsewhere.
What Gaza really needs is a comprehensive strategy for peace, based on the perception of justice, security, and the Palestinian right to self-determination, not an eviction notice disguised as a development plan. Thankfully, the Prime Minister's response reaffirms his commitment to the two states' solutions as the only viable path forward. Plans to annihilate Palestinian identities and deny their legitimate claims about their land are destined to fail.
If we turn to the forced removal of all people, history will not judge us kindly. Peace cannot be imposed through bulldozers or bombs. It is built on empathy, dialogue and mutual respect for fundamental human rights. We must oppose terrible proposals that trample on human dignity and fundamental rights. The Palestinians suffer well.
Malik Fraz Ahmad, Boars Well Drive, Bradford
