In a stunning announcement during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States would “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip. Trump characterized Gaza as a “demolition site” that is “very dangerous and very precarious” and outlined a vision in which the U.S. would be responsible for dismantling unexploded bombs and leveling destroyed buildings.
“We will own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Trump stated. “We will level the site and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.”
A new future for Gaza?
Trump also suggested that Palestinians in Gaza should be relocated to a “beautiful area with homes and safety” where they can “live out their lives in peace and harmony.” He further described a long-term U.S. presence in the region, envisioning Gaza as “the Riviera of the Middle East”—a place that would be open to people from around the world, including Palestinians.
While Trump did not explicitly confirm the deployment of U.S. troops, he left the door open for military involvement, stating: “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”
Netanyahu’s response
Prime Minister Netanyahu responded positively to Trump’s remarks, calling him “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” He expressed confidence that “we have to finish the job in Gaza” and that Israel would “end the war by winning the war.” Netanyahu also suggested that Trump’s vision for Gaza could “change history.”
Protests outside the White House
Trump’s comments have sparked immediate backlash, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathering outside the White House to protest the proposal. The New York Times reports that crowds chanted:
“Donald Trump belongs in jail!”
“Palestine is not for sale!”
The protests reflect strong opposition to the idea of a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians, with activists calling it an unacceptable violation of Palestinian sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia rejects displacement of Palestinians
Reaction to Trump’s press conference has begun pouring in from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia issued a statement strongly rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians and made it clear that it would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state.
This stance aligns with Riyadh’s long-held position that Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for normalization with Israel. Trump’s remarks are expected to further complicate regional diplomacy as tensions over the war in Gaza continue to rise.
Palestinian envoy to UN: “Our homeland is our homeland”
Before Trump suggested that Gaza could be transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, pushed back against the idea of Palestinians being relocated.
“Our homeland is our homeland. If part of it is destroyed, the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian people selected the choice to return to it,” Mansour said. “And I think that leaders and people should respect the wishes of the Palestinian people.”
While he did not name Trump directly, Mansour’s remarks appeared to reject the idea of U.S. control over Gaza.
“Our country and our home is the Gaza Strip; it’s part of Palestine,” he continued. “We have no home. For those who want to send them to a happy, nice place, let them go back to their original homes inside Israel. There are nice places there, and they will be happy to return to these places.”
‘Recipe for chaos’: Hamas responds to Trump’s shocking Gaza plan
A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, strongly condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for Palestinians in Gaza to leave their homes, calling it “expulsion from their land,” according to Reuters.
Abu Zuhri emphasized the dangerous consequences of such a plan, labeling it a “recipe for generating chaos and tension in the region,” and asserted that the people of Gaza would never allow such a scheme to succeed.
Trump’s suggestion, which provided no details on how the resettlement process might be carried out, echoed the desires of Israel’s far-right factions but directly contradicted former President Joe Biden’s stance against the mass displacement of Palestinians. Biden’s administration had previously committed to supporting Palestinian rights, particularly regarding their right to remain on their land.
Australia ‘will be consistent’ on Gaza – PM
Anthony Albanese was asked on Trump’s comments, and whether Australia would be prepared to send Australian defence personnel into Gaza. The prime minister reiterates Australia’s diplomatic position hasn’t changed.
When it comes to our position, we have not received any request regarding the rebuilding of Gaza. What we have said, though – clearly, we’ve supported a ceasefire. We’ve supported hostages being released. And we’ve supported aid getting into Gaza. There is a need to do that, and Australia is willing to assist getting aid into Gaza to provide that support. We have done so. That is consistent with what Australian governments have always done, which is to provide support.
There are more questions here on whether the government should be calling out Trump’s statement. Albanese says the government will be consistent.
We will be consistent, as we are. I’ve also said that I’m not going to, as Australia’s prime minister, give a daily commentary on statements by the US president. My job is to support Australia’s position.
