In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump made a surprising announcement, pledging that the US would take over the Gaza Strip and focus on its economic development after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere.
Trump stated that the US would move into this “demolition site” to dismantle the remaining explosives and weapons. If necessary, he said the US would take over the area, develop it, and create thousands of jobs, transforming the region into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Although Netanyahu praised Trump for “thinking outside the box with fresh ideas,” Trump did not provide specific details on the plan or clarify under what authority the US would take over Gaza. When asked who would live there, Trump replied, “The world’s people.”
As for the Gazans, Trump recalled his proposal to relocate them to neighboring countries but added the word “permanently” this time. This proposal contradicts President Joe Biden’s stance against mass displacement, could potentially violate international law, and may be opposed by Western allies and human rights advocates.
Senior Hamas officials had already condemned Trump’s proposal while neighboring countries that Trump mentioned also rejected the idea of accepting relocated Palestinians. However, Trump claimed he had already received regional leaders’ support and suggested Gazans should move to safer, better places where they would not get shot.
Besides the Gaza Strip, Trump has made many shocking proposals since taking office two weeks ago. He stated his interest in taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal and turning Canada into the 51st state of the US.
