In a stunning and unprecedented proposal, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his plan for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip, relocate its Palestinian population to other countries—whether they wished to leave or not—and redevelop the territory into what he described as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The announcement came during a joint press conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was making his first visit to Washington since Trump’s return to power. The proposal, which lacked specific details on logistics and implementation, was met with audible gasps from reporters and quickly sparked international backlash.
A Radical Proposal with Few Details
Trump’s remarks suggested a complete overhaul of Gaza, an area home to more than two million Palestinians who have endured years of conflict, blockades, and humanitarian crises. He outlined an ambitious vision that included clearing unexploded ordnance, removing rubble, and undertaking large-scale economic redevelopment.
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“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it,” Trump declared confidently.
However, the former president did not specify how the U.S. would assume control of the territory, whether military intervention would be necessary, or how it would handle the resettlement of the Palestinian population. He also did not provide details on which countries would accept displaced Palestinians, though he implied that Egypt and Jordan were under pressure to do so—despite both nations having previously rejected such proposals.
Middle Eastern Leaders Push Back
Trump claimed his plan had the backing of “the highest leadership” in the Middle East, though he did not name any specific leaders or governments that supported the idea. However, the reaction from Palestinian officials and neighboring countries was swift and strongly negative.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, dismissed the idea outright, reaffirming Palestinian sovereignty over the land.
“Our homeland is our homeland,” Mansour stated. “Leaders and people should respect the wishes of the Palestinian people.”
Similarly, Gazans themselves voiced their opposition to Trump’s proposal. Hatem Azzam, a 34-year-old resident of Rafah in southern Gaza, expressed his anger over the idea. “Trump thinks Gaza is a pile of garbage—absolutely not,” he said.
Both Egypt and Jordan, which have played crucial roles in past ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian efforts, have previously rejected any suggestion that they would take in displaced Palestinians. Jordan, in particular, hosts a large Palestinian refugee population and has long been vocal against forced resettlements.
Trump’s Vision for a ‘New Gaza’
Despite widespread opposition, Trump remained enthusiastic about his vision, suggesting that U.S. control of Gaza could lead to a transformation of the region.
“This could be something magnificent,” he said, adding that Gaza could be developed into a world-class tourist destination akin to Monaco, an idea he had floated months earlier.
While details remained scarce, Trump implied that military presence might be required to execute his plan. “If necessary,” he said, hinting at the possibility of American troops on the ground in one of the most volatile regions in the world.
Netanyahu’s Response and Political Implications
Standing alongside Trump, Netanyahu praised the former president as “Israel’s greatest friend” and commended his ability to “think outside the box.” While the Israeli leader did not explicitly endorse Trump’s proposal, he acknowledged its potential to “change history.”
Netanyahu’s visit to the White House marked a significant diplomatic moment, as his relations with Trump had previously been strained. However, the Israeli prime minister has faced growing tensions with the Biden administration, particularly over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the rising civilian death toll.
The renewed alliance between Trump and Netanyahu signals a possible shift in U.S.-Israel relations, with Netanyahu appearing to embrace Trump’s unconventional approach.
International and Political Fallout
Trump’s proposal is expected to face severe opposition from international allies, human rights organizations, and even within Washington. The forced resettlement of millions of people would likely violate international law and United Nations resolutions. Additionally, such a move could further inflame tensions in the already volatile Middle East.
Critics have also pointed out the logistical and ethical challenges of implementing such a plan. Displacing millions of Palestinians, many of whom consider Gaza their ancestral homeland, would likely lead to mass unrest, further destabilizing the region.
Domestically, Trump’s proposal may also have political ramifications as he prepares for a potential re-election campaign. While some of his supporters may see the plan as a bold foreign policy move, others—including key lawmakers—are likely to question its feasibility and morality.
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