Published 07:57 IST, February 5th 2025
‘US Will Take Over The Gaza Strip’: President Trump Proposes To Takeover Of Gaza
President Trump shocks with a plan to have the US take control of Gaza, promising economic development after Palestinians are resettled.

President Donald Trump announced a radical proposal on Tuesday, suggesting that the United States take over the Gaza Strip once Palestinians are resettled elsewhere.
At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined ambitions to transform Gaza into an economic powerhouse, despite lacking specific details.
"The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too," Trump told reporters as mentioned in the report by Reuters. "We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site."
Netanyahu cautiously welcomed Trump's initiative, praising it as "outside the box with fresh ideas." However, he refrained from endorsing specifics, focusing instead on countering Iran and advancing Israeli-Saudi normalization efforts.
Challenging Diplomatic Norms
The announcement deviates sharply from longstanding US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, proposing a direct American role in Gaza's governance and development. Trump emphasized the potential for job creation and regional pride, envisioning Gaza as "the Riviera of the Middle East."
Critics, including human rights advocates and some world leaders, swiftly condemned the proposal. Forced resettlement of Gaza's population, they argue, could violate international law and escalate tensions in the region. The plan also contradicts President Joe Biden's stance against mass displacement of Palestinians.
International Reaction
Regional leaders, such as those in Jordan and Egypt, have historically opposed such initiatives, emphasizing the need for a Palestinian state and rejecting any forced resettlement. The Saudi government reiterated its support for Palestinian rights, denouncing attempts to displace Gazans from their homes.
Trump's proposal faces significant legal and diplomatic hurdles, with many questioning the feasibility and legitimacy of a US takeover of Gaza. International observers warn of potential destabilization and increased conflict in the already volatile region.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
Updated 12:03 IST, February 5th 2025