President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip during a press conference at the White House on February 5, 2025. President Trump described it as a plan to transform the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” This announcement followed discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and included plans for the permanent resettlement of Gaza’s Palestinian population.
Trump asserted, “The U.S. will take charge of the Gaza Strip, and we will manage it effectively,” emphasizing his vision for economic revitalization and job creation in the war-torn region. He suggested that Palestinians would be eager to leave Gaza, framing the area as a “demolition site” in need of redevelopment56. His remarks were met with immediate backlash from various international leaders and organizations.
Hamas condemned Trump’s proposal as a “recipe for generating chaos,” with senior official Sami Abu Zuhri stating, “We view this plan as a catalyst for chaos and strife, as the people of Gaza will resist any such initiatives”.
Saudi Arabia quickly rejected Trump’s assertions, reiterating its long-standing position that normalization of relations with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Saudi foreign ministry emphasized that it would not support any actions aimed at displacing Palestinians from their homeland, describing their stance as “unequivocal and non-negotiable”.
As tensions rise surrounding Trump’s proposal, experts have raised concerns about its feasibility and implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Critics have labeled the plan as an attempt at ethnic cleansing, with many questioning how such a takeover could be justified legally or ethically.
Source: Al Jazeera
