United States President, Donald Trump, has reaffirmed his controversial plan for the future of the Gaza Strip, declaring that the war-torn enclave would be “turned over” to the United States by Israel at the end of the conflict.
His proposal, which includes resettling Palestinians outside Gaza, has ignited strong reactions from leaders across the Middle East and beyond.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump had initially made the startling declaration that “the US will take over the Gaza Strip.”
He added, “We will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” as gasps were reportedly heard in the room. The U.S., he said, would clear unexploded bombs and debris and embark on a major redevelopment project for the territory.
Trump reaffirmed his stance on Thursday in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating, “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of the fighting,” and reiterating plans to relocate approximately two million Palestinians elsewhere in the Middle East. “No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!”
Elaborating on his vision, Trump claimed that by the time of the proposed U.S. handover, Palestinians “would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region.”
He further asserted, “They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free,” adding that the U.S., in collaboration with international development teams, would create “one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth.”
The proposal has already prompted action from Israeli authorities. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that he had instructed the military to prepare for “voluntary” departures from Gaza.
“I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents,” he stated, noting that Palestinians could relocate “to any country willing to accept them.”
Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, praised the plan as “remarkable” and lauded Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend.” He urged further discussion on the proposal, saying, “I think it should be really pursued, examined, pursued and done, because I think it will create a different future for everyone.”
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