IRIA News

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U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a drastic shift in U.S. policy, suggesting that the United States could “take over” the Gaza Strip, lead reconstruction efforts, and permanently resettle displaced Palestinians out of the war-ravaged enclave.

In a surprise announcement on February 4, 2025, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump called for transforming Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” a move that would break from decades of U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to meet President Donald Trump at the White House during his second term in office. The visit comes at a critical juncture for the Gaza ceasefire. Their meeting takes place as Israel and Hamas resume indirect negotiations this week on the critical second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and hostage release.

Following the meeting, Trump vowed that the U.S. would take over the war-ravaged Gaza Strip after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere and develop it economically. Trump unveiled his surprise plan, without providing specifics.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too.” –President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/aCqLl9Gwwn

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 5, 2025

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said at the news conference with Netanyahu by his side. “We’ll make sure that it’s done world-class. It’ll be wonderful for the people — Palestinians, Palestinians mostly, we’re talking about.”

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington comes when his domestic support wanes. The prime minister is currently testifying in a weeks-long corruption trial, facing allegations that he traded favors with media moguls and wealthy associates. He has dismissed the accusations, calling them a “witch hunt.”

The region stands at a pivotal moment, with the Gaza truce remaining fragile, a parallel Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon potentially expiring in the coming weeks, and ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions despite its weakened position.

Trump’s vision for Gaza

President Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” and emphasized the uninhabitable conditions resulting from prolonged conflict. He suggested that Palestinians should be resettled in alternative locations within the Middle East, proposing that nations such as Egypt and Jordan could accommodate the displaced population.

Trump stated, “Gaza is a demolition site right now. You can’t live in Gaza right now.” He elaborated on his vision to redevelop the area, aiming to transform it into a prosperous region. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings,” Trump asserted.

The President did not dismiss the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to facilitate this plan, stating, “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece that we’re going to develop it.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed support for President Trump’s proposal, highlighting the potential for transformative change in the region. He remarked, “I think it’s something that could change history and it’s worthwhile pursuing this avenue.” Netanyahu emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas and secure peace, aligning with Trump’s vision for Gaza under U.S. control.

Trump’s proposal to ‘Take Over’ Gaza sparks criticism

The proposal has sparked a wide array of reactions from the international community.

Saudi Arabia — The Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement, reaffirming its “complete rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, annexation of Palestinian lands or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.”

Following Trump’s surprise remarks about the U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip, Saudi Arabia said it would not establish ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry rejected any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land adding that its stance towards the Palestinians is not negotiable.

Palestine — Trump’s plans are likely to fuel fears among Gaza’s pre-war population of 2.3 million Palestinians about being displaced from the coastal strip, while also raising concerns in Arab states long wary of the destabilizing effects of such an exodus. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about taking over Gaza “ridiculous” and “absurd,” warning they could destabilize the Middle East. “Any ideas of this kind are capable of igniting the region,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

Arab countries — Several Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, have previously expressed reluctance to accept an influx of Palestinian refugees, citing concerns over regional stability and demographic impacts. A group of Arab nations warned in a statement that such plans “threaten the region’s stability, risk expanding the conflict, and undermine prospects for peace and coexistence among its peoples.”

The statement followed a meeting in Cairo with top diplomats from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, along with Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior Palestinian official who serves as the main liaison with Israel, and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Trump acknowledged this resistance from Arab nations but remained optimistic, stating, “They will do it. They will do it. They’re gonna do it, OK? We do a lot for them, and they’re gonna do it.”

Critics have raised ethical and legal objections, labeling the proposed mass displacement as a form of ethnic cleansing. Human rights organizations and legal experts have emphasized the need to uphold international law and protect the rights of the Palestinian people. The Arab League released a statement asserting that such plans “threaten the region’s stability, risk expanding the conflict, and undermine prospects for peace and coexistence among its peoples.”

Gaza conflict and Israel-Hamas ceasefire

The Gaza Strip has long been a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian tensions. In October 2023, a significant escalation occurred when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in substantial casualties and hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response led to widespread destruction in Gaza.

In January 2025, a ceasefire agreement was brokered, facilitated by negotiations involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The deal included the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The ceasefire aimed to halt the ongoing violence and address humanitarian concerns in the region.

Trump’s Middle East Policy and the Abraham Accords

President Trump’s proposal aligns with his broader Middle East policy, which has emphasized reshaping alliances and addressing longstanding conflicts. In 2020, the Trump administration facilitated the Abraham Accords, agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. These accords were hailed as a significant step toward regional peace and cooperation.

The current proposal to take control of Gaza and relocate its residents represents a more direct intervention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump’s vision involves not only addressing security concerns but also initiating economic development to transform Gaza into a thriving area. He envisions creating “thousands of jobs.”

Challenges and prospects

Implementing President Trump’s proposal faces significant challenges. The logistical complexities of relocating millions of people, securing international support, and ensuring the protection of human rights are formidable obstacles. Additionally, the plan’s success hinges on the cooperation of neighboring countries and the acquiescence of the Palestinian population, who have deep historical and cultural ties to the Gaza Strip.

The proposal also raises questions about the future governance of Gaza, the role of Hamas, and the broader implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. While the plan aims to bring stability and prosperity, it must navigate a landscape fraught with political sensitivities, historical grievances, and international legal considerations.

President Trump’s proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its Palestinian residents marks a bold and controversial approach to a longstanding conflict. As discussions unfold, the international community will closely monitor the plan’s development, weighing its potential to bring peace and stability against the ethical, legal, and practical challenges it presents. The success of this initiative will depend on careful diplomacy, robust international collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.