Trump suggests US will take over Gaza, make it the 'Riviera of the Middle East'
When questioned by reporters about the legal basis for the US assuming control of Gaza, Trump claimed he had studied the matter closely for months.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US would "take over the Gaza Strip" and "own it," suggesting that Palestinians should be resettled elsewhere.
The remarks were made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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"The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too," Trump declared.
"We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, levelling the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings — levelling it out. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area. Do a real job. Do something different."
Trump further suggested that Palestinians should not rebuild their lives in Gaza, stating that they "should not go through a process of rebuilding" as they had "lived a miserable existence there." Instead, he proposed they "resettle permanently" in "nice homes" elsewhere, though he did not specify where.
Netanyahu, while not outright endorsing the idea, acknowledged that discussions were ongoing.
"We're talking about it. He's exploring it with his people and his staff. I think it's something that could change history, and it's worthwhile really pursuing this avenue," the Israeli leader said.
Opposed relocation Palestinians
Leaders of several of the most powerful Arab nations previously said they strongly opposed any suggestion that residents of Gaza be resettled in other countries.
Saudi Arabia issued a strong statement rejecting any attempts to forcibly relocate Palestinians. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated, "The kingdom rejects any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land and will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state."
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed Trump's remarks outright.
"His desire to control Gaza is ridiculous and absurd, and any ideas of this kind are capable of igniting the region," Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the first Palestinian-American in Congress, accused Trump of advocating for ethnic cleansing. "Trump is openly calling for ethnic cleansing," she posted on X.
When questioned by reporters about the legal basis for the US assuming control of Gaza, Trump claimed he had studied the matter closely for months.
"I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East," he said, without citing specific legal frameworks.
US troops to Gaza
Trump also did not rule out sending US troops to Gaza, stating, "As far as Gaza is concerned, we'll do what is necessary. If it's necessary, we'll do that."
Despite the backlash, Trump defended his vision for Gaza, portraying it as an opportunity for economic development.
"We're going to take over that piece. 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."
He further suggested that Gaza should transform into an "international place," home to people from all over the world, including Palestinians.
"I envision world people living there, the world's people," he said, describing it as "the Riviera of the Middle East."
Trump's comments mark a significant departure from past US policy, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution.
Gaza, a 139-square-mile coastal enclave, has been at the centre of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians for decades. Israel seized control of the territory in the 1967 Six-Day War, and it has since remained a flashpoint of geopolitical tension.
Criticised Joe Biden
Trump also used the press conference to criticise former President Joe Biden, claiming that the ongoing Middle East crisis "would never have happened if I were president."
However, Netanyahu had previously praised Biden for his support of Israel following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
One of the most pressing concerns remains: where would displaced Palestinians go?
Trump suggested that Jordan, Egypt, and other nations could absorb them, despite these countries explicitly rejecting such a scenario.
"They are not going to want to go back to Gaza," he claimed, adding that Palestinians would "only end up dying there."
Trump also suggested that "rich nations" should pay for the resettlement of Palestinians, but he didn't specify how.
Netanyahu, while listening intently to Trump’s remarks, largely refrained from commenting extensively on the plan. The Israeli prime minister did, however, acknowledge that his working relationship with Trump has been significant.
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