International law professor Mohamed Mehran has warned that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated statements advocating the displacement of Palestinians constitute a clear call for war crimes. Mehran, a member of both the American and European societies for international law, stressed that such rhetoric threatens international peace and security while openly violating international legal principles.
Mehran argued that Trump's remarks reflect a deliberate effort to erase the Palestinian cause. He pointed out that, under international law, forced displacement is explicitly prohibited. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention bans the forcible transfer of civilians, while Article 7 of the Rome Statute classifies such actions as crimes against humanity.
Mehran further explained that the forced expulsion of Palestinians contradicts fundamental legal principles, including the right to self-determination, the prohibition of territorial acquisition by force, and the protection of civilians during conflict. He also referenced UN Security Council Resolution 242 and General Assembly Resolution 194, which uphold Palestinians' right to return and prohibit demographic manipulation in occupied territories.
The legal expert stressed that Trump’s statements not only disregard international law but also embolden Israeli occupation forces to continue their violations in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. He warned that Israel’s ongoing attacks and siege are designed to render Gaza uninhabitable, forcing mass displacement in defiance of legal protections granted to Palestinians.
Mehran praised Egypt and Arab states for rejecting displacement plans, highlighting their stance as legally grounded in international law. He expressed confidence in Palestinian resilience, asserting that no amount of pressure or coercion will succeed in uprooting them from their land. Meanwhile, global opposition to Trump’s statements continues to grow, with governments and human rights organisations reaffirming their support for Palestinian rights.
