Blackburn MP slams Trump's 'ethnic cleansing' plan for Gaza

Independent MP Adnan Hussain said the American President's proposal was "an imperial land-grab in open sight and a complete desecration of international law".

He was reacting to President Trump's remarks at a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when he said: “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too.

"We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons.

“We'll do a real job. Do something different.

Adnan Hussain condemned the US President's comments "If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people permanently in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed, not be knifed to death like what's happening in Gaza.

"This could be something so magnificent - the Riviera of the Middle East.

"We'll make sure that it's done world-class. It will be wonderful for the people, Palestinians mostly we're talking about.

"And despite them saying no, I have a feeling that the King in Jordan and that Egypt will open their hearts and give us the kind of land that we need to get this done, and people can live in harmony and peace."

In response, Mr Hussain said: "Trump's comments on emptying Gaza of its inhabitants, taking over and turning the land into a 'Riviera of the Middle East' are absolutely absurd.

Donald Trump welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu - who is wanted for war crimes - to the White House. Pic: AP "He clearly implies the ethnic cleansing of the indigenous population, an imperial land-grab in open sight and a complete desecration of international law and the rule-based international order.

"Our government must condemn this absurdity in the strongest of terms.

"International law is firm and clear on this matter: Palestinians must be allowed to return to their land and homes in Gaza.

"Gaza is a Palestinian homeland and not a lucrative real estate project for the US President.

"It is imperative now more than ever that the UK takes a firm position of leadership on the international stage, that we uphold our responsibilities under international law, ensure justice is sought, and that an already deeply suffering people are not further exploited.

"I strongly hope Trump's comments remain just that - absurd comments - and that international law and order prevail."

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has reiterated the government's commitment to a two-state solution saying: "We must see Palestinians live and prosper in their homelands in Gaza and the West Bank."

Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas and Jordan have rejected President Trump's proposal.