Former President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan to take control of the Gaza Strip, suggesting that the United States would oversee the redevelopment of the region and resettle Palestinians in other countries.
Trump shared this plan during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking the Israeli leader’s first visit to the White House since Trump’s return to power. The announcement left many in the room in shock, as it proposed a bold reimagining of Gaza’s future.
Trump’s plan lacks significant detail on how the U.S. would manage the complex issue of relocating over two million Palestinians or exert control over Gaza, a region that has been deeply affected by ongoing conflict.
However, he was clear in his ambition to transform Gaza into a luxurious and economically prosperous area, referring to it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” Trump said. He went on to suggest that such an intervention would require removing the region’s unexploded bombs and rubble, paving the way for large-scale economic redevelopment. He also noted support for the idea from “the highest leadership” in the Middle East, though the plan was immediately met with resistance from various stakeholders.
In particular, Egypt and Jordan, key Middle Eastern countries, rejected the proposal to resettle Palestinians. The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, expressed his disapproval earlier in the day, stating, “Our homeland is our homeland,” and calling for respect for Palestinian wishes. Gazans also voiced strong objections. “Trump thinks Gaza is a pile of garbage — absolutely not,” said Hatem Azzam, a resident of Rafah.
While Trump remained vague about the logistics of his plan, he suggested that U.S. military presence could be necessary in Gaza, especially in an area known for its volatility. Trump also raised comparisons to Monaco, previously referring to Gaza as a location that could potentially be “better than Monaco.”
Netanyahu, who stood by Trump’s side, praised the proposal as a “historical” idea. The Israeli leader has faced challenges in his relationship with former President Joe Biden but now finds common ground with Trump over the situation in Gaza. Netanyahu also discussed the ongoing conflict with Hamas and stated, “We will end the war by winning the war,” while expressing hope for an eventual agreement with Saudi Arabia to normalize relations.
Despite Trump’s optimism about regional support, the proposal has faced overwhelming opposition. In addition to Egypt and Jordan, Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza, also rejected the idea. Saudi Arabia, which has been engaging in talks with Israel, made it clear that they would not establish formal relations unless a Palestinian state is created.
The ongoing war, which began with Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, has caused devastating loss of life. Israel’s military response has claimed thousands of lives in Gaza, while the humanitarian situation remains dire. Despite a ceasefire established in January, violence continues in the region, including Israel’s recent operations in the West Bank.
