Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered global condemnation after unveiling a controversial plan to take control of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, forcibly relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries, and redevelop the territory under U.S. ownership.
The unprecedented announcement came during a joint press conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump described Gaza as a “symbol of death and destruction” and suggested that Palestinians should be permanently resettled elsewhere, a move experts warn would violate international law.
A 'Long-Term' U.S. Presence in Gaza
“We will take over and own Gaza,” Trump declared, adding that his administration would “level” the territory, clear unexploded ordnance, and launch an economic redevelopment project.
“We’re going to create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” he said.
Trump did not clarify under what legal framework the U.S. would assume control of Gaza, nor how Palestinians would be displaced or where they would be sent. He insisted that regional leaders supported the plan, though he provided no details.
“I have spoken to leaders across the region, and everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land,” he claimed.
The Israeli prime minister, standing beside Trump, appeared receptive to the proposal, saying, “He sees a different future for Gaza. I think it’s something that could change history.”
International Condemnation
The reaction to Trump’s remarks was swift and overwhelmingly negative.
Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally, rejected the proposal outright.
A statement from Riyadh stressed that it “firmly and unwaveringly” supports the establishment of a Palestinian state and “rejects any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land.”
The kingdom added that it would not establish formal ties with Israel without a clear commitment to a Palestinian state.
Palestinian officials condemned Trump’s comments, calling them a blatant attempt at ethnic cleansing. Hamas, the de facto authority in Gaza, denounced the proposal as “a recipe for chaos and tension in the region.”
The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations urged world leaders to take a firm stand against what he called “a dangerous and reckless plan.”
Protests erupted outside the White House shortly after Trump’s remarks, with demonstrators chanting, “Palestine is not for sale” and “Trump, Netanyahu—war criminals.”
Uncertain Legal Basis
Trump did not specify how his administration planned to implement the takeover of Gaza, raising significant questions about the legality and feasibility of such a move.
Analysts note that any forced relocation of Gaza’s 1.8 million residents would constitute a violation of international law and amount to ethnic cleansing.
“What Trump is proposing is a textbook case of forced population transfer,” said Michael Lynk, a former UN special rapporteur on Palestinian human rights.
“It’s illegal under international law and would spark massive resistance.”
The United Nations has consistently maintained that Gaza is occupied Palestinian territory and that its final status should be determined through negotiations, not unilateral action.
Military Implications
Trump did not rule out deploying U.S. troops to Gaza, stating, “We’ll do what’s necessary.”
He also hinted that his administration was considering an official position on Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, suggesting an announcement could come within a month.
The move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has historically supported a two-state solution.
However, when pressed on whether his plan signaled an end to U.S. support for two states, Trump responded, “It doesn’t mean anything about a two-state or one-state or any other state. It means that we want to give people a chance at life.”
Netanyahu’s Support and Political Considerations
Netanyahu, who faces political pressure at home over the ongoing war in Gaza, lauded Trump’s vision, calling him “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”
The Israeli leader has long been aligned with Trump’s policy shifts, including the 2018 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and U.S. support for Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The Israeli prime minister’s visit to Washington comes as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain fragile. Netanyahu has vowed to “finish the job in Gaza” and reiterated that Israel’s war aims include the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.
Growing Rift with Western Allies
Trump’s remarks put the U.S. on a collision course with many of its Western allies, who have pushed for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
European leaders have signaled their alarm over the proposal, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling it “a dangerous escalation that will destabilize the region.”
The UK government reiterated its position that Gaza is Palestinian land and that any future governance structure must be determined through international consensus.
The proposal also risks fueling further unrest across the Middle East. Jordan and Egypt—both of which share borders with Israel and Gaza—have rejected calls to absorb displaced Palestinians. The Egyptian government issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to Palestinian statehood and condemning any attempt to forcibly remove Gazans from their homeland.
What Happens Next?
Trump’s comments have added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile region. The plan, if pursued, is likely to face intense legal, diplomatic, and logistical obstacles.
For now, the White House has not provided further details on how it intends to implement the proposal, and it remains unclear whether it represents a concrete policy shift or a political maneuver aimed at bolstering support among Trump’s base ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
