President Donald Trump on Tuesday, unveiled a bold proposal to have the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip, possibly deploying American troops, while encouraging the displacement of Palestinians living in the territory.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined his vision of transforming Gaza into a new “Riviera.”
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump declared. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings.”
When pressed about the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to stabilize the region, Trump remained open to the idea.
“As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece that we’re going to develop it,” he said.
Trump’s remarks reflect an extraordinary pivot for a president who rose to power criticizing prolonged U.S. military interventions in the Middle East.
His plan raises numerous questions about its legal basis, logistics, and financial implications. Yet, Trump remained enthusiastic, framing the move as a pathway to regional stability.
“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump said. “This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent.”
Trump’s suggestion that Gazans should leave the strip permanently has already drawn strong reactions from regional stakeholders.
Egypt and Jordan quickly rejected the notion of accepting more Palestinian refugees, fearing destabilization and a permanent loss of Palestinian land rights.
Trump dismissed concerns, asserting that the territory was unlivable. “I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza,” Trump said earlier in the day. “I heard that Gaza has been very unlucky for them. They live like hell. They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living.”
He later clarified that some Palestinians could return to Gaza but emphasized that he did not see it as their permanent home.
“Palestinians also. Palestinians will live there. Many people will live there,” he said.
The president revealed that he had spent months studying the matter closely, drawing on his background as a real estate developer.
He suggested that Gazans be relocated to a “good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” provided by neighbouring countries. “What do they have? It is a big pile of rubble right now,” Trump said.
Trump’s proposal left many Middle Eastern officials shocked and seeking clarity.
One Arab official described the comments as “rough, raw, hard to grasp and digest.”
Another warned of the risk to the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the profound impact on Palestinian lives and the potential for regional instability.
In Congress, Trump’s plan met with skepticism from both parties. Senator Lindsey Graham remarked, “We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that. I think most South Carolinians would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza.”
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
“We’d like to get all of the hostages, and if we don’t, it will just make us somewhat more violent,” he said.
Trump’s rhetoric seemed tailored to rally conservative Israeli allies while complicating peace efforts with Israel’s Arab neighbours.
Saudi Arabia reiterated its long-standing position that normalization with Israel hinges on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Netanyahu praised Trump’s leadership during their meeting, but the visit came amid speculation that the Israeli prime minister might seek U.S. support for a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Before Netanyahu’s arrival, Trump signed a directive warning Iran of “obliteration” in retaliation for any assassination plot against him.
Despite the complexity of their relationship, Netanyahu and Trump put on a united front during the joint press conference.
Trump’s words suggested that their past tensions may have been set aside, with their focus now firmly on shaping the future of the Middle East.
