President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for the United States to assume control of the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian residents has sparked widespread condemnation from both allies and adversaries. The controversial suggestion was made during a White House news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who appeared supportive as Trump outlined plans to create new settlements for Palestinians outside Gaza and redevelop the area into what he termed "the Riviera of the Middle East."
During the press event, Trump stated, "The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too." He emphasized the responsibility the U.S. would take in clearing unexploded ordnance, demolishing ruined buildings, and fostering economic development to create job opportunities. This proposal comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has seen the exchange of hostages for prisoners.
The reaction to Trump’s remarks was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Key U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Egypt and Jordan, quickly rejected the idea of relocating over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry highlighted the importance of rebuilding Gaza without displacing its residents. Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm support for an independent Palestinian state, rejecting any infringement on the rights of the Palestinian people.
International leaders echoed these sentiments. The prime ministers of Australia and Ireland, as well as foreign ministries from countries like China, New Zealand, and Germany, reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that his country’s stance on the issue has remained consistent over the years.
Critics of Trump’s proposal included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who deemed the idea of deporting Palestinians from Gaza as unacceptable and absurd. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for the United Nations to intervene to protect Palestinian rights, labeling Trump’s proposal as a serious violation of international law.
Hamas reacted by denouncing the proposal as a catalyst for further chaos in the region, accusing the U.S. of rewarding what they termed "Zionist occupation" instead of holding it accountable for alleged crimes against Palestinians. The militant group’s statement highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by the conflict that erupted following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In the U.S., political opposition to Trump’s comments was immediate. Democratic Senator Chris Coons described the proposal as "offensive and insane," warning that it could damage the U.S.’s reputation as a reliable partner on the global stage. He criticized the irony of such a proposal coming from a president who has previously moved to dismantle humanitarian programs.
Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American, accused Trump of advocating for ethnic cleansing through his plan to relocate the entire population of Gaza. The proposal has raised significant concerns about its humanitarian implications, especially given the ongoing devastation in Gaza, where over 47,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the conflict, with many more displaced.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful, with many leaders calling for a return to dialogue aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.