Paris: France has strongly opposed US President Donald Trump's proposal to 'clean out' Gaza by relocating Palestinians and reiterated its support for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

According to Anadolu Agency, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addressed the parliament, stating that the American administration's suggestion of forced population transfers to other countries is "absolutely out of the question." Barrot's remarks were in response to President Trump's recent comments on Gaza, where he referred to the area as a "demolition site" and suggested relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt.

The proposal has faced rejection not only from the Palestinian government but also from several other states. It surfaced a week after a cease-fire agreement in Gaza came into effect on January 19, suspending Israel's military operations, which have resulted in significant casualties and injuries among the Palestinian population since October 7, 2023.

Barrot stressed that such a proposal would be a "definitive obstacle" to the two-state solution, a resolution France has long supported. He also noted that the countries mentioned in the proposal have refused to accept displaced populations.

Reaffirming France's commitment to UNRWA, Barrot described the agency as essential and highlighted France's financial support. "The UNRWA deserves to be able to continue its indispensable activity, which has no possible substitute," he emphasized, referencing a £20 million subsidy announced in December to aid the agency's missions.

Barrot also expressed criticism towards two Israeli laws set to be enacted, urging the Israeli government to abandon their implementation. The laws, passed by Israel's Knesset in October, aim to ban UNRWA's operations in areas under Israeli occupation, based on allegations of involvement in a Hamas attack by the agency's employees-a charge UNRWA denies.

The impending ban has sparked concerns about disruptions to crucial aid for millions of Palestinian refugees. UN officials have consistently warned that such measures could worsen the already severe humanitarian crisis.

Operating since 1949, UNRWA provides vital services such as education and healthcare to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Despite facing political and financial hurdles, the agency continues to serve as a vital support system for vulnerable communities.