A senior aide to U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his proposal for the United States to assume control of war-torn Gaza and transform it into a luxury destination, despite widespread international condemnation.
The proposal, which envisions a “Riviera of the Middle East,” has drawn strong rebukes from world powers including Russia, China, and Germany. Saudi Arabia, a key regional player, has also firmly rejected the idea.
In a significant shift from longstanding U.S. policy, Trump announced his vision on Tuesday, suggesting that Gaza—devastated by nearly 16 months of Israeli bombardment and a death toll exceeding 47,000—could be rebuilt as an international resort where communities could coexist in harmony.
At a White House briefing on Wednesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president’s proposal, describing it as historic and innovative. She emphasized that Trump had not committed to deploying U.S. forces in Gaza but was instead presenting a new approach to post-conflict reconstruction.
Leavitt also appeared to soften Trump’s earlier remarks on the displacement of Palestinian residents, clarifying that any relocation would be temporary to facilitate the rebuilding process, rather than a permanent resettlement in neighboring countries.
It remains unclear whether Trump intends to pursue the plan or if the proposal serves as a negotiation tactic, a strategy he has employed on past policy issues.
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