Rising Tensions Over Gaza Displacement Plans
As the war between Hamas and Israel enters its second year, a new controversy is unfolding. The U.S. and Israel have suggested relocating Palestinian civilians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. China has strongly opposed this idea, calling it a violation of international law. Beijing believes the real motive behind this plan is not humanitarian but economic—an effort to take control of Gaza’s strategic port.
Gaza’s Forced Exodus and Its Global Impact
About 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced due to the conflict. Israel has ordered civilians to move south, crowding them into Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Egyptian and Jordanian leaders have firmly rejected any attempts to resettle Palestinians outside Gaza, fearing long-term consequences. Historically, most of Gaza’s residents are descendants of refugees from the 1948 war, and any forced relocation is viewed as a repeat of past tragedies.
The United Nations has also condemned the idea. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees warned that forcing people out of their homeland violates international humanitarian law. But despite global opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli officials continue to push for this controversial move.
China’s Concerns: The Hidden Economic Agenda
According to Chinese intelligence, the displacement plan is about more than just security. Beijing believes Israel and the U.S. want to empty Gaza of its population to take over its coastline. The goal? To merge Gaza’s port with the planned Israeli “Ben Gurion Port,” which would serve as a major shipping hub.
This port project aims to create a new trade route connecting India to Europe, bypassing the Egyptian Suez Canal and challenging China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The U.S., Israel, and major European nations have allegedly been discussing this alternative trade corridor in high-level meetings. If successful, it could shift global shipping power away from China and Egypt, giving Israel greater control over international trade.
China and Russia Push Back
Beijing is not alone in its opposition. Russia also sees the plan as a strategic move against its own economic interests. Both China and Russia have refused to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, using it as a diplomatic tool to counter U.S. and Israeli ambitions.
Chinese state media and think tanks have actively warned against the forced displacement of Palestinians. They argue that the plan is not only illegal but also part of a larger effort to disrupt global trade.
U.S. Response and Intelligence Warnings
The U.S. has dismissed China’s accusations, insisting that the goal is to provide Palestinians with safety. However, leaked communications suggest that American diplomats have been discussing alternative trade routes for years.
Michael Manzo, a senior U.S. diplomat, reportedly contacted Chinese analysts after they published reports exposing the real motives behind the Gaza war. The U.S. has also pointed to security concerns in Egypt’s Sinai region as a reason for seeking new trade alternatives.
China’s Long-Term Strategy
China is taking steps to counter Israel’s expansion plans. It has intensified diplomatic efforts at the UN, highlighting the dangers of forced displacement. Chinese officials have worked to strengthen alliances with Arab nations, ensuring they do not support any resettlement plans.
Additionally, China is investing in alternative trade networks, reinforcing its control over key shipping lanes. By blocking the Israeli port project, Beijing hopes to protect its Belt and Road Initiative and maintain the importance of the Suez Canal.
The Battle Over Global Trade Control
At its core, the Gaza conflict is no longer just about security. It has evolved into a major geopolitical struggle over trade and influence. The U.S. and Israel are pushing for new economic routes, while China and Russia are fighting to stop them.
The next few months will be crucial. If China succeeds in blocking the displacement of Palestinians, it could prevent the creation of a rival trade corridor. However, if the U.S. and Israel move forward with their plans, the global trade map could change dramatically. For now, China remains firm: Gaza must not be emptied, and the world must recognise the deeper economic game at play.
