Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza, Palestinian Resettlement

 

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his desire for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip and undertake its redevelopment after relocating Palestinians to other areas. During a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “We will own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.” He emphasized that the U.S. would clear destroyed structures and foster economic development to create numerous jobs and housing opportunities for the local populace.

Trump's remarks followed his earlier suggestion that displaced Palestinians should be “permanently” resettled outside Gaza. He expressed skepticism about their return, saying, “You can’t live in Gaza right now. We need another location that will make people happy.” His comments come amid ongoing discussions about a fragile ceasefire and hostage negotiations in the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

The proposal has sparked significant criticism, particularly from Egypt, Jordan, and other U.S. allies in the Middle East, who warn that relocating over 2 million Palestinians could destabilize the region and jeopardize long-standing efforts toward a two-state solution. Despite this, Trump asserted that Palestinians have “no alternative” but to leave what he described as a “big pile of rubble” in Gaza.

While both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordanian King Abdullah II have rejected Trump's calls for resettlement, Trump remains optimistic that these nations will eventually accept displaced Palestinians. He argued that living in safer, well-developed areas would be preferable to returning to Gaza, which he characterized as a site of ongoing violence and destruction.

As discussions about Gaza's future continue, Netanyahu faces pressure from his right-wing coalition to end the ceasefire while also addressing the concerns of Israelis seeking a resolution to the conflict. Arab nations have largely dismissed Trump's resettlement plan, with many Palestinians expressing a strong desire to remain in their homeland and rebuild.