President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. would “take over the Gaza Strip” and “own it,” arguing that Palestinians should permanently resettle elsewhere. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said Gaza should not be rebuilt but instead redeveloped into an economic hub.
“The U.S. will take over Gaza, dismantle unexploded bombs, level destroyed buildings, and create jobs and housing,” Trump stated. “We’ll do a real job, something different.” He suggested Palestinians should relocate to “nice homes” elsewhere, claiming they have “lived a miserable existence” in Gaza.
Netanyahu called Trump’s proposal “worthwhile to pursue” but did not explicitly endorse it. Asked whether U.S. troops would be sent to Gaza, Trump said, “If necessary, we’ll do that.” He described Gaza as a potential “Riviera of the Middle East,” where “world people” could reside, including Palestinians.
Trump’s remarks triggered immediate backlash. Saudi Arabia rejected any displacement of Palestinians, stating it would not establish ties with Israel without a Palestinian state. Hamas dismissed Trump’s comments as “ridiculous and absurd,” warning they could “ignite the region.” Palestinian-American Rep. Rashida Tlaib accused Trump of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing.”
Trump, who previously supported a “realistic two-state solution,” argued that Palestinians would “end up dying” if they returned to Gaza. He insisted other nations should finance Palestinian resettlement but did not specify which countries.
Trump also criticized former President Joe Biden’s handling of Middle East conflicts, stating the October 7 Hamas attack “would never have happened” under his administration. Netanyahu, despite past tensions with Trump, praised his leadership and their renewed cooperation.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz defended Trump’s approach, emphasizing the humanitarian need to clear Gaza’s ruins and plan long-term redevelopment. Netanyahu, for his part, confirmed discussions with Trump about “victory over Hamas” and countering Iran.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its Israel policy, global leaders remain divided on the controversial proposal for Gaza’s future.
