During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial proposal suggesting that the United States take over the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian inhabitants in other countries, with or without their consent. The announcement, made amid gasps from the audience, proposed that the U.S. would “own” Gaza and oversee its redevelopment.
Trump described his plan as a transformative effort to rebuild Gaza, which has been severely damaged in the ongoing conflict. He emphasized removing unexploded bombs and rubble while promoting economic redevelopment. Trump suggested that the U.S. could turn Gaza into a thriving region akin to the French Riviera, asserting that the idea had support from “the highest leadership” in the Middle East. However, both Egypt and Jordan immediately rejected the proposal, refusing to accept any Palestinian resettlement.
Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, swiftly condemned the proposal, calling it “racist” and accusing the U.S. of aligning with Israeli interests to displace Palestinians and erase their cause. Spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou stated that the plan reflected an attempt to further marginalize the Palestinian people and eliminate their rights.
The Gaza Strip has been heavily impacted by a brutal war that began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack on Israel. Trump claimed responsibility for brokering a ceasefire agreement that came into effect last month. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been a strong supporter of Trump’s policies, endorsed the proposal, claiming it could “change history.” Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to securing the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict.
Trump’s plan has drawn sharp criticism not only from Palestinian leaders but also from other countries in the region. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas rejected the proposal, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause and their rights are non-negotiable. Across Gaza, residents voiced their opposition, with some describing the proposal as a dehumanizing attempt to treat Gaza as little more than rubble to be cleared away.
International condemnation of the plan grew throughout the day. Both Turkey and China denounced the idea, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserting that the forced relocation of Palestinians was unacceptable. China echoed this sentiment, reaffirming its position that Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza must be respected.
Despite the pushback, Netanyahu hailed Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” and voiced confidence in the potential for regional normalization, citing Saudi Arabia’s openness to future talks, despite their stipulation for a Palestinian state.
The Gaza conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October attack, has led to devastating casualties, with over 47,000 people reported dead in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to local health officials. The United Nations has acknowledged the reliability of these figures. As the war continues, international responses to proposed solutions for Gaza remain divided.
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