In a surprising move on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume control of the Gaza Strip to rebuild the region and create new opportunities for its residents. The declaration came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking immediate backlash from global leaders and human rights advocates.
Trump stated that Palestinians in Gaza should be resettled elsewhere permanently, indicating that their conditions had been untenable for decades. “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it,” Trump said. “We’ll level the site, dismantle unexploded ordnance, rebuild, and create thousands of jobs.”
Trump expressed doubts about any attempts to restore Gaza under current conditions. “You just can’t go back. If you do, it’s going to end up the same way it has for a hundred years,” he said. When asked whether U.S. troops might be sent to Gaza, Trump responded, “If necessary, we’ll do that.”
Netanyahu, standing beside Trump, remarked that the plan could have historic significance. “We’re exploring it with his team. It’s an idea worth pursuing,” he noted.
Mixed Reactions and Strong Criticism
The proposal immediately drew sharp criticism from Palestinian leaders and several Arab nations. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry firmly rejected the suggestion, emphasizing that the kingdom would not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed that the displacement of Palestinians was “non-negotiable.”
Hamas officials were equally critical. “Trump’s remarks about controlling Gaza are absurd and capable of igniting the region,” said Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas leader. The organization accused Trump of seeking to “eliminate the Palestinian cause” and labeled the plan racist.
U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American in Congress, condemned Trump’s proposal, calling it “openly ethnic cleansing” in a social media post.
Despite the outcry, Trump outlined a vision for Gaza as an international hub. He suggested that the rebuilt Gaza could become “the Riviera of the Middle East,” with representatives from across the globe settling there alongside Palestinians. However, he provided few details on how this concept would be implemented.
Trump added that other wealthy nations should help finance the resettlement of Palestinians, though he did not specify which countries might participate. “There are rich nations that can contribute,” he said without elaboration.
Gaza’s Tumultuous History
Gaza, a 139-square-mile territory bordering Israel and Egypt, has endured decades of conflict and humanitarian crises. Israel seized control of Gaza in 1967 during the Six-Day War, and the region has since been at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Repeated cycles of violence, internal political divisions, and blockades have left many Gazans living in dire conditions.
Trump had previously expressed support for a two-state solution but has now shifted his approach to suggest permanent resettlement for Palestinians outside Gaza.
Trump-Netanyahu Relationship Reaffirmed
Trump took the opportunity to emphasize his strong relationship with Netanyahu, contrasting his administration’s achievements with what he described as failures under former President Joe Biden. “The horrors of Oct. 7 would never have happened if I were president,” Trump asserted, referring to a deadly 2023 attack on Israeli civilians.
Netanyahu, in turn, praised Trump’s leadership. “After the jaws drop, people scratch their heads and say, ‘You know, he’s right,’” Netanyahu remarked. He also revealed that both he and Trump had been targeted by Iran, further solidifying their bond.
The two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of American hostages held by Hamas. Although a ceasefire remains in place, Trump warned that peace was not guaranteed to last.
Legal and Ethical Challenges
Experts and political analysts have questioned the legality of Trump’s proposal to take over a sovereign territory. “What authority does the U.S. have to take over Gaza?” one reporter asked during the press conference. Trump responded that he had studied the issue extensively and believed it could lead to long-term stability in the Middle East.
However, international law experts argue that forcibly relocating Palestinians would likely violate both U.S. constitutional protections and international treaties.
Calls for a Realistic Approach
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz defended the proposal, stating that Trump’s plan is driven by humanitarian concerns. “We’re talking about thousands of unexploded bombs and piles of rubble in Gaza. At some point, we have to look at rebuilding realistically,” Waltz said.
Waltz added that discussions with Netanyahu would focus on developing a long-term timeline for Gaza’s recovery. “We’re not talking five years; we’re talking 10 to 15 years,” he explained.
Ongoing Negotiations and Uncertain Future
Trump’s plan has rekindled global debates on the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Diplomats and human rights groups are expected to closely monitor the administration’s next moves, while legal challenges could further complicate the process.
Netanyahu and Trump’s strengthened alliance highlights the high stakes involved in U.S. foreign policy in the region. For now, both leaders remain committed to exploring unconventional solutions, even as critics warn of the potential consequences.
As the world watches, questions remain about whether Trump’s vision for Gaza will gain traction or face insurmountable opposition. The path forward will likely involve intense negotiations, legal battles, and diplomatic maneuvering in the months to come.
