President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan on Tuesday for the United States to assume control over the Gaza Strip, resettle its Palestinian population, and transform the war-torn region into a prosperous area akin to “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
NaijaReporter understands that the announcement came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where Trump outlined a bold proposal for Gaza’s future.
Trump, addressing a room of startled reporters, revealed his intention for the U.S. to take over Gaza’s governance, a move that would involve removing unexploded bombs and debris and undertaking a comprehensive redevelopment effort.
He said, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” highlighting his vision for turning the area into a major economic hub.
The ambitious plan would involve resettling over two million Palestinians in other countries, including Egypt and Jordan, despite opposition from both nations and strong rejection from Palestinian leaders. The U.S. president stated his belief that such a transformation could be a game-changer for the region, making Gaza a beacon of prosperity and innovation.
“I think this could be something that could be so magnificent,” Trump remarked. He proposed that U.S. involvement in Gaza would last long-term, transforming the area into a world-class destination and reshaping its entire economic and social structure.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, present during the announcement, supported Trump’s plan, describing it as a proposal that could “change history.”
Netanyahu also emphasized the importance of the ongoing efforts to secure a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas, particularly the next phase of a ceasefire aimed at securing hostages taken by Hamas.
However, the proposal met immediate backlash from Palestinian representatives, with Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, stating, “Our homeland is our homeland,” underscoring that the Palestinian people’s wishes should be respected.
According to AFP, Palestinians in Gaza also denounced Trump’s suggestions, with one resident calling the notion of moving people from their homes “absolutely not.” “Trump thinks Gaza is a pile of garbage — absolutely not,” said 34-year-old Hatem Azzam, a resident of the southern city of Rafah.
Trump’s vague outline for execution included the potential deployment of U.S. military forces on the ground in Gaza if necessary, but many details of the plan remained unclear. Trump’s rhetoric on Gaza, previously likened to real estate ventures, has sparked a wave of criticisms from Palestinians and other Middle Eastern nations.
While Netanyahu praised Trump’s “willingness to think outside the box,” the plan was met with firm opposition from regional powers, including Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, who all rejected the forced resettlement of Gazans.
Saudi Arabia also indicated that it would not formalize ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, rejecting Trump’s proposals on that front.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the death toll on both sides remains high, with more than 47,000 people reported dead in Gaza due to Israel’s retaliatory strikes. Despite the ceasefire that came into effect on January 18, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with limited access to food, fuel, and medical supplies.