Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an unprecedented plan for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip, following the resettlement of its Palestinian population. The proposal, unveiled during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks a dramatic shift in longstanding U.S. policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump suggested that Gaza, which he described as a “demolition site,” should be cleared of its current inhabitants and redeveloped under U.S. ownership to create economic opportunities. He also reiterated his call for neighboring Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt, to permanently absorb displaced Palestinians.
The plan has been met with widespread condemnation, with critics warning that forced displacement would violate international law. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri denounced the proposal as “expulsion from their land,” while human rights advocates likened it to ethnic cleansing.
Trump, however, remained confident, asserting that regional leaders support his vision and that the move would bring long-term stability to the Middle East. While he did not provide specifics on implementation, he insisted that the U.S. would “level the site” and transform Gaza into a hub of economic development.
The proposal, aligning with Israel’s far-right agenda, directly contradicts previous U.S. commitments under President Joe Biden against mass displacement of Palestinians. Washington’s Western allies are expected to strongly oppose the plan, raising serious geopolitical concerns.
