U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israel would hand over control of the Gaza Strip to the United States after the conclusion of the ongoing conflict, contingent upon the resettlement of Gaza’s population. Trump’s remarks, shared via his Truth Social platform, clarified that no U.S. troops would be necessary on the ground, as he proposed that Palestinians would already be relocated to “safer and more beautiful communities.”
The proposal, which suggested transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” was met with widespread condemnation across the Middle East. Many critics saw it as an attempt to displace Palestinians, evoking memories of past forced displacements. Despite this, Trump’s plan found support among some Israeli officials, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “remarkable.”
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the army had been instructed to prepare for the voluntary departure of Gaza’s residents. Katz emphasized that the plan would allow Palestinians to leave Gaza by land, sea, or air, in line with global norms. He also expressed support for Trump’s initiative, calling it bold and necessary.
However, the reaction from the broader Middle East was strongly negative. Saudi Arabia and Jordan rejected the proposal, with Jordan’s King Abdullah firmly opposing any attempt to annex land and displace Palestinians. Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, voiced their opposition, with one resident expressing frustration, saying, “If Trump wants to help, let him come and rebuild for us here.”
Trump’s controversial statement came amid ongoing ceasefire talks, with Israel and Hamas expected to negotiate the second phase of a ceasefire deal. However, the plan has raised concerns about its impact on the fragile peace talks. Displacement remains one of the most contentious issues in the region, with many Palestinians fearing permanent removal from their land, a situation reminiscent of the 1948 “Nakba.”
The conflict, which erupted following Hamas’ October 2023 attacks, has already resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, as both Israel and Palestinian factions face increasing pressure to resolve the crisis.
Israel’s military actions and Trump’s proposal have ignited debates over the ethics of forced displacement, with some arguing that it violates international laws. Meanwhile, Katz suggested that countries critical of Israel’s actions, such as Spain and Ireland, should open their borders to Palestinian refugees, further complicating an already delicate geopolitical situation