Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday made one of his most striking proposals yet regarding the future of the Gaza Strip, suggesting that the United States should take control of the territory, clear it of rubble and unexploded bombs, and turn it into a thriving economic hub.
Speaking at a White House press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a vision where Gaza would be rebuilt as a global economic center, calling it a potential “Riviera of the Middle East.” He implied that while Palestinians would continue to live there, the land could also serve as an international gateway to the Mediterranean.
“I think you’ll make that into an international, unbelievable place… this could be so magnificent,” Trump said, emphasizing that the U.S. could oversee the reconstruction and redevelopment of the war-torn area.
A Bold but Vague Vision
Trump’s comments build on elements of his 2020 peace plan, which was largely dismissed by Palestinian leaders at the time. That plan, spearheaded by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, envisioned a heavy focus on economic incentives rather than political resolutions. However, Trump’s latest remarks go further, suggesting direct American involvement in Gaza’s governance and development.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job—whether 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 stated.
While Trump spoke at length about economic revitalization, he did not provide specifics on governance or long-term sovereignty. He mentioned that “Palestinians will live there” but also suggested that other people from around the world could use it as an international hub.
Potential U.S. Military Involvement?
When asked whether his plan would involve deploying U.S. troops to Gaza, Trump left the possibility open.
“As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” he said, adding that he would personally visit the territory.
The idea of American military involvement in Gaza would represent a major shift in U.S. policy and could face significant domestic and international opposition.
Palestinian and Regional Opposition
Palestinian leaders and Arab nations have already expressed firm opposition to any attempt to displace Gaza’s population or alter its governance structure.
“Palestinians do not want to leave their land,” read a letter sent this week by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The letter reaffirmed their support for Palestinian sovereignty and opposed any forced relocations.
Trump previously suggested that Palestinians in Gaza could be relocated elsewhere, an idea that has been widely rejected. He called on other countries to create “various domains” to house Gaza’s population, though he did not elaborate on where or how this would happen.
Netanyahu: ‘Thinking Outside the Box’
While Trump’s proposal was met with skepticism in much of the world, Netanyahu offered praise, saying the former president brings a “different future” for Gaza.
“You say things others refuse to say, and after the jaws drop, people scratch their heads and say, ‘You know, he’s right,’” Netanyahu remarked.
An Unprecedented Proposal with Uncertain Feasibility
The idea of the U.S. taking over Gaza would mark a radical departure from decades of U.S. foreign policy, which has focused on diplomacy and aid rather than direct control. Analysts suggest that such a move would face enormous legal, political, and logistical hurdles—not to mention strong pushback from Palestinians and the broader international community.
Despite this, Trump remained confident in his vision.
“We’re going to take over that piece, and we’re going to develop it. Create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’s going to be something that the entire Middle East can be proud of,” he said.
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