Trump proposes U.S. takeover of Gaza amidst ceasefire talks

In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention for the United States to “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. This declaration came shortly after Trump suggested the permanent relocation of Gaza’s entire population, igniting discussions across the globe.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it,” Trump stated at the Oval Office meeting. His remarks came amid ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the complex issue of hostages.

While there was speculation that Trump would press Netanyahu to commit to the next phase of the ceasefire deal, he instead praised the Israeli leader’s governance and appeared to endorse a controversial idea favored by Israel’s far-right factions: the emptying of Gaza. This approach may serve as a political lifeline for Netanyahu, who faces pressure from his coalition partners to resume military action.

Trump’s vision of a U.S. takeover includes a long-term commitment to rebuilding Gaza. He described plans for dismantling explosives, clearing rubble, and creating an economy that could provide extensive job opportunities. “We’ve got to do something different. You just can’t go back,” Trump emphasized, underscoring the need for a fresh approach to the ongoing conflict.

However, Trump’s proposal raises questions about its feasibility and implications for the approximately 79 hostages held by Hamas, who are viewed as crucial in negotiations. The U.S. President suggested that Palestinians should be relocated to countries like Egypt and Jordan, though both nations have firmly rejected this notion, arguing it would destabilize their regions.

Trump characterized Gaza as a “hellhole” and expressed his desire to transform it into a prosperous area, potentially likening it to the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He has previously referred to the territory as “better than Monaco,” echoing sentiments from his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who described Gaza as “valuable waterfront property.”

When questioned about the potential deployment of American troops to Gaza, Trump indicated that the U.S. would take necessary actions, marking a shift from his previous stance of reducing military presence in the region.

Reactions to Trump’s plan have been mixed. While Netanyahu lauded Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” and praised his unconventional thinking, some Republicans expressed skepticism about the proposal. Senator Lindsey Graham stated, “We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that,” reflecting concerns over the implications of such a move.

The Palestinian leadership reacted strongly against Trump’s statements. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the U.N., asserted, “Our homeland is our homeland,” and emphasized that the wishes of the Palestinian people should be respected.

As negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire begin, Trump’s bold plan to take control of Gaza may complicate discussions and intensify tensions in the region.