The proposal comes amid sweeping changes to US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speaking at a White House briefing following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said that his administration would assume control over Gaza, clear rubble, dismantle dangerous unexploded ordnance, and build infrastructure to create “unlimited numbers of jobs and housing” for the local population.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” he said.
The announcement shocked longtime observers of US policy.
Hamas swiftly condemned the plan as “a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region,” warning that Gazans would resist any effort to displace them.
A Hamas statement reiterated that “our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass” and called for an end to what it termed the occupation and aggression against Palestinians.
Netanyahu, who has praised Trump as “the greatest friend” Israel has ever had, indicated that the president’s proposal was “worth paying attention to” and had the potential to “change history.”
The Israeli leader’s office confirmed that discussions with Trump also covered other regional issues, including prospects for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have already begun, though Trump cast doubt on the durability of the truce.
“The strikes could start tomorrow,” he warned.
Trump’s plan suggests a “long-term ownership position” over Gaza. He expressed hope that, in the event of displacement, Palestinians might resettle in other countries with “humanitarian hearts,” while also noting that many would continue living in Gaza.
“I think you will make that into an international, unbelievable place,” Trump added, emphasizing the potential for a global community in the enclave.
Critics from various quarters reacted strongly. Palestinian advocates and political analysts described the proposal as “terrifying” and “insane,” arguing that it amounted to a call for the permanent displacement of Palestinians and the dismantling of Palestinian society.
US lawmakers also decried the initiative. Representative Rashida Tlaib accused Trump of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing,” while Democratic Senator Chris Murphy dismissed the proposal as a distraction from domestic issues.
Trump has repeatedly urged Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians, but both Arab states have rejected the idea, cautioning that resettlement could escalate regional tensions and undermine efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia likewise stated it would oppose any moves that displace Palestinians and emphasized that normalization with Israel would be contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
(jh/gs)
Source: CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera, IAR, PAP