Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked global outrage by announcing that Israel would hand over Gaza to the United States after the ongoing conflict, with its Palestinian population already resettled elsewhere.
Trump’s Controversial Proposal
Trump’s plan, which he calls the “Riviera of the Middle East” project, envisions developing Gaza under U.S. control without deploying American troops. He insists that Palestinians would have already been relocated to “safer, more beautiful” communities in the region.
Read More: Trump Asserts the U.S. Will ‘Take Over’ Gaza in Redevelopment Initiative
This announcement came just before expected ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha and amid growing tensions over Israeli military actions. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prepare an exit strategy for Gaza’s residents, describing it as a “voluntary departure” plan via land, sea, and air.
International Backlash & Legal Concerns
Trump’s proposal has been widely condemned:
- Saudi Arabia and Jordan outright rejected the plan.
- The United Nations warned that forced displacement is a war crime under the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
- Hamas and Palestinian leaders vowed resistance, calling the plan an invasion and ethnic cleansing.
- Hardline Israeli politicians and settler groups support Trump’s vision, calling it “logical”.
Gaza’s residents, however, reject forced relocation. Many fear a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel.
Impact on Ceasefire Talks
Trump’s remarks could complicate ceasefire negotiations. While some hostages have been released, the war continues to cause massive civilian casualties and displacement.
With global diplomatic pressure mounting and key U.S. allies distancing themselves from the plan, Trump’s vision for Gaza remains highly controversial and unlikely to gain international support.
