President Donald Trump has announced plans for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip in a controversial move aimed at reshaping the region’s political and economic landscape. The announcement came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking immediate reactions from international leaders and human rights groups.
Trump’s proposal involves relocating Gaza’s two million Palestinian residents to neighbouring countries and transforming the territory into a hub of economic growth and development. The plan, described by Trump as a way to turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” is intended to bring stability and prosperity to the war-torn region.
What the Plan Involves
Central to the proposal is the relocation of Palestinians currently living in Gaza. Trump suggested that countries like Egypt and Jordan could accept them, but both nations have already expressed strong reluctance to participate. No concrete agreements on the relocation plan have been reached.
If implemented, the U.S. would oversee a large-scale redevelopment of Gaza, building new infrastructure, job opportunities, and housing projects. Trump has portrayed the plan as a way to resolve the humanitarian crisis while promoting regional peace and security.
Military Involvement Not Ruled Out
When asked about the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to enforce and stabilize the plan, Trump did not rule it out. “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. would take whatever steps are required to secure the project’s success.
International and Domestic Reactions
The announcement has triggered a wave of mixed reactions:
- Israeli Support: Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly endorsed the plan, praising Trump’s leadership and describing the proposal as a historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East.
- Middle Eastern Opposition: Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have expressed serious concerns. Officials warned that forced relocations could destabilize the region and violate international agreements.
- Critics and Legal Experts: Human rights organizations have condemned the plan, labelling it a potential violation of international law and a form of forced displacement. Some critics argue that it could amount to ethnic cleansing.
A Shift in U.S. Policy
The proposal marks a dramatic departure from the U.S.’s traditional support for a two-state solution, which envisions separate Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side. By focusing on relocating Palestinians and taking control of Gaza, Trump is signalling a break from decades of diplomacy.
What’s Next?
The plan is in its early stages, and many key details, including how the relocation of residents would be handled, remain unclear. International leaders are expected to meet for discussions in the coming weeks, with the United Nations closely monitoring developments. Protests have already erupted in Palestinian territories, and further diplomatic challenges are expected as the plan moves forward.