World

Trump Proposes US Takeover of Gaza, Calls for ‘Leveling’ and Economic Redevelopment

by Mohammed Ahmed
written by Mohammed Ahmed

Donald Trump has stated that the United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, asserting that it will “own it” and oversee efforts to dismantle unexploded ordnance and other weapons in the area. Speaking about the long-running conflict, Trump claimed Gaza has been “a symbol of death and destruction for so many decades” and proposed permanently relocating the Palestinian population to other countries willing to take them in.

Trump suggested that after the removal of Palestinian residents, the area should be “leveled” and cleared of destroyed buildings. He added that the land would then undergo an economic transformation that would generate “unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” though he did not specify who would occupy the newly developed land.

In response to questions about the legal authority behind such an action, Trump said he sees “a long-term ownership position” for the United States in Gaza, arguing that it would bring stability to the region. He stated that the decision had not been made lightly and that after months of study, he believed it to be a viable solution. He also claimed that “everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land,” though no details were provided regarding discussions with US officials or foreign governments.

Before concluding the press conference, Trump was asked whether Palestinians who leave Gaza under his plan would be allowed to return in the future. When pressed on who he envisioned living in Gaza after the redevelopment, he responded, “People living there. The world’s people.” When the reporter asked whether this included Palestinians, he said that it would.

Trump described his vision of the territory’s transformation, stating that “this could be the Riviera of the Middle East.” He added that Jordan and Egypt would provide land for Palestinians to relocate—though both countries’ leaders have previously rejected similar proposals.

The proposal raises questions about the status of Palestinian sovereignty and the international implications of US involvement in Gaza. No response has yet been issued from Palestinian leadership or other key stakeholders in the region.