President Donald Trump proposed Tuesday a U.S.-led takeover and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip, a plan that has sparked widespread discussion and debate. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz provided insights into the proposal during an interview on Fox News, shedding light on the origins and potential implications of the idea.
The proposal came to light following a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump hinted at a significant U.S. role in the future of Gaza. Waltz emphasized that the idea is not a sudden development but part of a broader strategy that Trump has been considering since the October 7th attacks.
READ: Trump Proposes U.S. Ownership Of Gaza Strip “The Riviera Of The Middle East”
“This is something the president has been thinking about quite a bit since October 7th,” Waltz explained. “Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been traveling, receiving briefings, and engaging with key leaders in the region. This didn’t just spring up overnight, despite what some in the mainstream media might suggest.”
Waltz highlighted Trump’s proactive engagement with regional leaders, including calls to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who is scheduled to visit next week. These discussions, according to Waltz, are part of a comprehensive approach to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and explore long-term solutions for the region.
The proposal comes amid a fragile ceasefire brokered with Trump’s involvement, which has already seen the release of hostages, including American Keith Siegel, and a temporary halt to hostilities. Waltz stressed that the current focus is on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of Gaza’s 2 million residents, who are living in dire conditions with no sewage, sanitation, or basic infrastructure.
READ: Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith Calls Trump’s Proposal For U.S. Ownership Of Gaza ‘Horrifying’
“Let’s talk in practical, humane terms about what’s going to happen to 2 million people living in piles of rubble,” Waltz said. “It’s a wasteland with bullets flying. We can’t reasonably expect people to live like this for a decade or more while rebuilding takes place.”
When asked about the reaction from regional leaders to the idea of the U.S. taking control of Gaza and potentially relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries, Waltz acknowledged historical opposition but expressed optimism about finding a workable solution.
“Historically, they have been opposed, but the president’s point is, has anyone really sat down and worked with all these countries to find real solutions for the Palestinians?” Waltz said. “We need to think about what actually works on the ground. Anyone who walks through Gaza, as Steve Witkoff just did, sees that it’s literally a wasteland of rubble.”
READ: Democratic Lawmakers Face Backlash Over Calls For Violence Over Trump Agenda “We Are At War”
Waltz also emphasized the need to dismantle Hamas, which he described as a “terrorist dictatorship” responsible for the October 7th attacks and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people. He suggested that the removal of Hamas from power is a prerequisite for any long-term solution in Gaza.
As for Netanyahu’s stance, Waltz indicated that the Israeli Prime Minister is open to the idea of U.S. involvement in Gaza. “There are all kinds of forms of ownership,” Waltz said. “We have the dealmaker-in-chief sitting in the same seat as the commander-in-chief. All of these discussions are ongoing, but President Trump is casting a big, bold vision.”
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising Trump’s willingness to think outside the box and others expressing skepticism about the feasibility and implications of a U.S. takeover of Gaza. As discussions continue, the international community will be closely watching to see how this bold vision unfolds and whether it can bring lasting peace and stability to the region.
READ: Energy Secretary Chris Wright Eyes Quantum Computing, AI In Plan To Boost US Energy
For now, Waltz remains confident in Trump’s approach, drawing parallels to previous unorthodox decisions that were initially met with skepticism but ultimately achieved significant outcomes. “Moving our embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights—these ideas were once called fantastical and ridiculous,” Waltz said. “Now they’re reality. President Trump thinks big, but he also thinks practically about what’s best for the people on the ground.”
As the world waits for further details, one thing is clear: Trump’s proposal has reignited the conversation about the future of Gaza and the role of the United States in shaping it.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
