In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, President Donald Trump outlined his ambitious plans for a U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing a vision of reconstruction and development in the region. The interview aired on Monday, where Trump reflected on his early days back in office and discussed various topics, including government fraud and tariffs, alongside his controversial proposal for Gaza.
During the interview, Trump reiterated his belief in establishing a "long-term ownership position" in Gaza, suggesting that the U.S. could play a pivotal role in rebuilding the war-torn area after Israel concludes its military operations against Hamas. This conflict escalated dramatically following a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250 hostages.
Trump expressed confidence that "great people" from the Middle East could potentially finance the reconstruction efforts once the fighting ceases. He proposed relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries during the rebuilding phase, a suggestion that has already faced significant pushback from key U.S. allies in the region, including Jordan and Egypt.
When asked about the rights of Palestinians to return to Gaza, Trump asserted that they would not need to return because they would have "much better housing" in newly constructed communities. He elaborated that his plan includes creating "safe communities" for the 1.9 million residents of Gaza, which would involve demolishing existing structures and starting anew.
The proposal has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the feasibility and morality of relocating Palestinians and the implications of U.S. control over the territory. Jordan’s King Abdullah II has been vocal against the idea of relocating Palestinians to Jordan, and he is expected to address this issue in an upcoming meeting with Trump at the White House.
In addition to his ambitious plans for Gaza, Trump discussed his belief that the U.S. could leverage its financial aid to Egypt and Jordan to facilitate negotiations regarding the relocation of Palestinians. He stated, "There’s practically no building that’s livable in the whole Gaza Strip," and suggested a comprehensive approach to eliminate Hamas’s presence and create a more stable environment.
The interview has reignited discussions surrounding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, particularly as Egypt prepares to host an emergency Arab summit to address the recent escalation of violence and its implications for the region.