Trump proposes U.S. takeover of Gaza Strip, sparking global controversy

WASHINGTON. In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States intends to take over the Gaza Strip, reshape its economy, and permanently resettle Palestinians elsewhere—a radical departure from decades of U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Trump made the statement during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, following an earlier proposal suggesting that Palestinians from Gaza be relocated to neighboring countries.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”

A Vision for Economic Transformation?

Trump outlined a vision where Gaza, long devastated by conflict, would be redeveloped into a thriving economic hub.

“If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece, we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of,” he added.

He also suggested that Gaza could become a new home for “the world’s people” and envisioned it as “The Riviera of the Middle East.”

Netanyahu, whose administration has led Israel’s prolonged military campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza, commended Trump’s unconventional approach.

“He is thinking outside the box with fresh ideas,” Netanyahu said. “He is showing willingness to puncture conventional thinking.”

Questions Over Authority and International Law

Trump’s announcement immediately raised serious legal and geopolitical concerns. He did not provide specifics when asked under what authority the U.S. could assume control over Gaza.

“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East,” Trump responded. He also claimed that regional leaders supported the idea but did not name any.

Critics, however, warn that Trump’s proposal violates international law, as forced displacement of Palestinians could be considered a form of ethnic cleansing.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned Trump’s comments, stating:

“We consider them a recipe for generating chaos and tension in the region because the people of Gaza will not allow such plans to pass.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia issued a statement rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians, reiterating that normalization with Israel would not occur without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

An Unclear Path Forward

Trump’s remarks come as the U.S. and its allies discuss the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and broader efforts toward regional peace.

While the White House has yet to release details on the implementation of Trump’s plan, the proposal has already fueled intense debate both in Washington and internationally.

As the world watches, questions remain unanswered:

• How would the U.S. physically occupy and govern Gaza?
• Where would the displaced Palestinian population go?
• Would U.S. allies and regional powers support or reject this unprecedented move?

For now, Trump’s unexpected vision has upended diplomatic conversations—leaving the future of Gaza even more uncertain.