- President Trump announces plan for US to assume control of Gaza.
- Proposal includes relocating Gaza’s Palestinian residents to neighboring countries.
- Plan envisions redeveloping Gaza into an economic hub dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
- Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations reject the proposal, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state.
- Critics label the plan as reckless and a potential violation of international law.
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump announced on February 4, 2025, that the United States intends to take over the Gaza Strip. This plan involves relocating its approximately two million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Trump outlined his vision to redevelop Gaza into an economically vibrant area, referring to it as the potential “Riviera of the Middle East.” He emphasized the need to clear the area of dangerous remnants, dismantle destroyed buildings, and create jobs and housing. He stated, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too… we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of.”
Proposal Faces Widespread Rejection
The proposal quickly faced rejection from both allies and adversaries. Saudi Arabia, in particular, strongly opposed the idea, reaffirming its support for an independent Palestinian state. The country’s foreign ministry emphasized that Saudi Arabia will not accept any efforts to displace Palestinians from their land.
Other Arab nations shared similar concerns. Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and the Palestinian Authority all rejected the proposal. They stressed that Palestinians should lead Gaza’s reconstruction with international backing and warned that displacing them would only create more instability in the region.
Critics have harshly labeled the plan as reckless and potentially illegal. Some human rights groups even compared it to ethnic cleansing. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri also condemned the proposal, calling it a formula for more chaos and unrest.
On the domestic front, Democratic lawmakers voiced their opposition. Senator Chris Coons called the plan foolish and dangerous. Representative Rashida Tlaib also accused Trump of advocating for ethnic cleansing, fueling further controversy.
Uncertainty Surrounds Trump’s Gaza Proposal
President Trump’s plan to take control of Gaza has raised many questions. He didn’t explain how the US would take charge or manage the relocation of Palestinians. This leaves the proposal unclear and raises concerns about its impact on the region.
The idea has faced harsh criticism from both allies and adversaries. Many reject the plan, seeing it as a major shift from US policy. They also argue it could violate international law, adding to the complexity of the proposal.
The feasibility of this plan is still up in the air. There are concerns about how the US would handle long-term military involvement. It might also lead to further instability in the already fragile Middle East.