Former President Donald Trump made headlines on Tuesday evening with his controversial statements regarding the Gaza Strip, asserting that the United States “will take over the Gaza Strip” and “we’ll own it.” During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump suggested that the approximately 2 million Palestinians currently residing in Gaza should be relocated to other Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan and Egypt, as the U.S. works on developing the area.
This proposal was met with immediate backlash from the governments of Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations, who rejected the notion of accepting Gaza’s residents. The conversation comes in the context of ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has been ravaged by war with Israel that escalated following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.
Describing Gaza as a “hellhole,” Trump expressed a vision for transforming the territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” where people from around the world could potentially settle. He conveyed a belief in a “long-term ownership position” for the U.S. in Gaza, suggesting that such a plan could lead to “great peace” in the region.
Netanyahu echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating that U.S. ownership of Gaza could “change history” and warrant serious consideration. However, neither leader provided clarity on the legal mechanisms that would permit the U.S. to assume control over Gaza.
Trump’s comments mark a notable expansion of his previous proposals, which have included ideas about purchasing Greenland from Denmark and making Canada the 51st state. He emphasized that the U.S. would be responsible for clearing unexploded ordnance and rebuilding the devastated area to create jobs and housing.
In response, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Trump’s remarks, asserting that Gaza rightfully belongs to the Palestinian people and labeling Trump’s call for their displacement as unacceptable. CAIR’s National Executive Director, Nihad Awad, warned that forcibly expelling Palestinians would amount to a crime against humanity and worsen the already dire situation.
Amid ongoing discussions for a ceasefire plan in Gaza, which has seen some progress, the future of the region remains uncertain. Earlier in the day, Trump expressed skepticism about the return of Gaza’s residents, stating they “should not go back” due to the dire conditions they face. He indicated he was in talks with leaders in neighboring countries about accepting refugees from Gaza, claiming that there was support for his vision of stability in the region.
The situation continues to evolve as discussions about Gaza’s future unfold, with significant implications for both the local population and international relations in the Middle East.
