In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced a controversial proposal for the United States to take ownership of the Gaza Strip and oversee its redevelopment after resettling Palestinians elsewhere, saying that it could become “The Riviera of the Middle East.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing conflict in the region and follows remarks by Trump’s Middle East envoy that a three to five-year timeline for Gaza’s reconstruction is not a viable post-war plan.
President Trump outlined his vision for the Gaza Strip, suggesting that the U.S. could assume long-term ownership of the territory to promote stability and economic development. “I do see a long-term ownership position,” Trump said. “This is not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.”
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Trump proposed that the U.S. would be responsible for clearing unexploded bombs and other dangerous weapons, dismantling destroyed buildings, and redeveloping the area economically. He did not provide specific details on how Palestinians would be resettled or where they would go, but emphasized that the plan would ensure stability in the region.
The president also hinted at the possibility of visiting Gaza, stating that he plans to travel to Israel and could include Gaza in his itinerary. “I will go to Israel, and I may go to Gaza,” Trump said, though he did not announce a timeline for the trip.
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and expressed strong support for the proposal. He likened Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas to the Allies’ struggle against the Nazis during World War II, arguing that lasting peace is impossible if Hamas remains in power. “You can’t talk about peace if this toxic and murderous organization is left standing,” Netanyahu said.
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Netanyahu also highlighted Trump’s decision to lift a Biden-era pause on shipping 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, a move that has bolstered Israel’s military capabilities. “Israel’s victory will be America’s victory,” he declared.
Trump’s proposal has sparked immediate debate, with critics questioning the feasibility and ethics of the U.S. taking ownership of Gaza. The plan raises significant legal, political, and humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the resettlement of Palestinians and the long-term governance of the territory.
The announcement comes as the U.S. continues to navigate complex relationships in the Middle East. Earlier in the day, Trump’s Middle East envoy dismissed the idea of a three to five-year reconstruction timeline for Gaza, suggesting that a more comprehensive and long-term approach is needed.
During the press conference, Trump also addressed other pressing international issues:
- Iran: Trump reiterated his stance that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, warning that doing so would be “very unfortunate” for the country. He suggested that Iran could have an “unbelievable future” if it abandons its nuclear ambitions.
- Ukraine: Trump compared the destruction in Ukraine to that in Gaza, stating that some Ukrainian cities look “as bad as Gaza, and worse.” He mentioned ongoing talks with Russian and Ukrainian leaders but provided no specifics on potential peace agreements.
- Tariffs and Trade: Trump discussed the ongoing tariff battle with China, which has retaliated with its own tariffs and an antitrust investigation into Google. He also noted progress with Mexico, which has agreed to deploy 10,000 members of its national guard to the border to combat drug trafficking, and with Canada, which has pledged additional cooperation on border security.
Trump’s proposal for Gaza is likely to face significant scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Critics will demand more details on the resettlement of Palestinians, the legal framework for U.S. ownership, and the long-term implications for Middle East stability.
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