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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States once the ongoing conflict ended and the Palestinian population had been resettled elsewhere. He added that this arrangement would eliminate the need for U.S. troops on the ground.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza: A "Riviera of the Middle East"
Trump’s comments followed widespread global condemnation of his earlier proposal to develop Gaza into a luxury destination. A day after his remarks, Israel instructed its military to prepare for the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from the enclave.
Clarifying his position on Truth Social, Trump stated:
"The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. Palestinians would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed!"
Israel Supports Trump's Proposal, Plans for Palestinian Departure
Israeli leaders have responded positively to Trump’s idea. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it "remarkable," while Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prepare a plan to facilitate the exit of Gaza residents who wish to leave voluntarily.
"I welcome President Trump’s bold plan," Katz stated on X (formerly Twitter). "Gaza residents should have the freedom to emigrate, as is the norm worldwide."
He said the plan would include exit routes via land crossings, as well as sea and air travel arrangements.
Middle Eastern Leaders Reject Displacement Plan
Trump’s unexpected proposal sparked fury across the Middle East, particularly as Israel and Hamas were set to resume ceasefire negotiations in Doha aimed at facilitating a withdrawal of Israeli forces, a further hostage release, and an end to the 16-month war.
Key regional powers rejected the idea outright:
- Saudi Arabia dismissed it as "unacceptable."
- Jordan’s King Abdullah condemned any effort to annex land or displace Palestinians, stating he would raise the issue with Trump at their upcoming White House meeting.
- Egypt insisted it would not participate in any scheme to remove Palestinians from Gaza.
Inside Gaza, Palestinians reacted with outrage. Abdel Ghani, a displaced father of four, rejected the notion, saying:
"We will not sell our land for you, real estate developer. We are hungry, homeless, and desperate, but we are not collaborators. If Trump wants to help, let him come and rebuild for us here."
Trump's Pattern of Bold, Unrealized Foreign Policy Moves
It remains unclear whether Trump will follow through on his plan or if it serves as a bargaining tactic. Throughout his first term (2017–2021), Trump frequently made dramatic foreign policy statements, many of which were never implemented.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Gaza residents may have to leave while the region is rebuilt, but did not confirm whether they would be allowed to return. Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in mid-February, according to Axios.
Displacement of Palestinians: A Highly Sensitive Issue
Trump’s plan touches on one of the most controversial issues in the Middle East—the forced or coerced displacement of Palestinians. Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, displacing a population under military occupation is considered a war crime.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that any departures would have to be voluntary, and that other nations must be willing to accept Gaza’s displaced population.
"We don’t have details yet, but we can talk about principles. Everything must be based on the free will of individuals and the willingness of states to absorb them," Saar said at a press conference.
Far-Right Israeli Support for Palestinian Removal
Trump’s proposal has gained strong backing from far-right Israeli politicians, particularly from those who advocate for Jewish resettlement in Gaza—a region where Israeli settlements existed until 2005.
Former Israeli general Giora Eiland, known for promoting the controversial "Generals’ Plan" to expel northern Gaza’s population, supported Trump’s stance. He argued that aid should be withheld from Palestinians returning to northern Gaza.
Ongoing War and Humanitarian Crisis
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering the war. The relentless conflict has forced Palestinians to move repeatedly in search of safety, with many fearing permanent displacement—a repeat of the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled from their homes during the creation of Israel.
As international criticism mounts, Israel’s Defense Minister Katz suggested that Western nations critical of Israel’s military actions should take in Gaza’s displaced population.
"Countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway—who accuse Israel of wrongdoing in Gaza—are legally obligated to accept any Gaza residents seeking refuge in their territories," Katz stated.
What Comes Next?
With ceasefire negotiations ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s plan will gain traction or simply serve as another instance of his high-stakes diplomatic theatrics. However, the strong backlash from Arab nations, Palestinians, and human rights advocates suggests that any attempt to displace Gaza’s population will face fierce opposition both regionally and globally.
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