U.S. President Donald Trump has put forward a bold proposal for the United States to “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip, with plans for his administration to lead efforts to rebuild the war-torn area, aiming to transform it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” Speaking at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a plan for economic reconstruction to create “unlimited numbers of jobs and housing” for local residents.
Trump stated that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, clearing debris, neutralizing unexploded ordnance, and laying the groundwork for large-scale investment. This move represents a dramatic shift from traditional U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing immediate backlash from Palestinian leaders and human rights groups.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, condemned the proposal as a “recipe for chaos,” emphasizing that Palestinians would not accept displacement from their land and called for an end to occupation and aggression.
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The proposal also sparked criticism from Palestinian advocates. Omar Baddar, a political analyst and human rights advocate, argued that it signified the U.S. policy of destroying Palestinian society and scattering its people. Abed Ayoub, executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, deemed Trump’s remarks “terrifying” and contrary to international law.
When asked if U.S. military involvement might be required in Gaza, Trump did not rule out the possibility, stating, “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed support for the idea, framing it as a potential solution to the region’s long-standing conflicts. However, the proposal faced fierce opposition from Democratic lawmakers, including Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who accused Trump of promoting ethnic cleansing, and Senator Chris Murphy, who dismissed the plan as a distraction.
Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, also rejected the proposal, reiterating their stance that Palestinian displacement is unacceptable and that diplomatic relations with Israel are contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Trump’s proposal comes at a pivotal time, as negotiations to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue. However, Trump expressed doubts about the ceasefire’s sustainability, stating that “strikes could start tomorrow.”
