Home NewsMiddle East Trump Proposes U.S. Control of Gaza and Palestinian Relocation in Controversial Plan

Trump Proposes U.S. Control of Gaza and Palestinian Relocation in Controversial Plan

by Thaabit Kamaar
Image Source: ABC7

World – U.S. President Donald Trump has made a significant declaration regarding the future of Gaza, proposing that the United States assume control of the region and that Palestinians be relocated to other “various domains”.

This proposal aligns with other expansionist policies Trump has advocated since his reelection and marks a shift from previous U.S. endorsements of a two-state solution. 

In a recent news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasized the necessity of a complete transformation of Gaza, stating that the region had endured “death and destruction for decades” and required a new approach.

His plan involves U.S. oversight to dismantle war remnants, level destroyed infrastructure and rebuild Gaza into an economic hub that would generate jobs and stability.

“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East. Everybody I’ve spoken to, this was not a decision made lightly, loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent in a really magnificent area.”

However, Hamas rejected the proposal, stating, “Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass.”

“What is required is an end to the occupation and aggression against our people, not their expulsion from their land. Our people in Gaza have thwarted displacement and deportation plans under bombardment for more than 15 months,” the group added.

Relocation of Palestinians to Neighboring Countries

Trump also proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza. He asserted that Gaza should not be rebuilt and reoccupied by those who have lived there under poor conditions.

Instead, he suggested an international effort, funded by wealthy Middle Eastern nations, to relocate the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza to other countries where they could live in “comfort and peace.” He claimed they seek to return only because they have no other option.

“The only reason the Palestinians want to go back to Gaza is that they have no alternative. It’s right now a demolition site. This is just a demolition site—virtually every building is down. They’re living under fallen concrete, which is very dangerous and very precarious.”

“Instead, they can occupy a beautiful area with homes and safety, where they can live out their lives in peace and harmony instead of having to go back and do it again. The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too.”

When asked who would live in Gaza, Trump suggested it would become an international hub with residents worldwide. He envisioned a transformed region where Palestinians, among others, could live under a new framework.

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End of the Two-State Solution?

However, this proposal suggests ethnic cleansing and the forced displacement of Palestinians. By advocating for their relocation and eliminating their presence in Gaza, Trump’s plan effectively strips Palestinians of their homeland and severs their historical and cultural ties to the region.

This approach disregards international law and undermines diplomatic efforts aimed at Palestinian self-determination and statehood. While neither leader explicitly rejected a two-state solution, their statements and actions indicate little support.

Trump stated that his plan “doesn’t mean anything about a two-state or one-state” solution, emphasizing that his focus was on providing an alternative for Palestinians to live elsewhere. In support of this approach, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s vision as a means to ensure that Gaza “never again poses a threat to Israel.”

While he did not explicitly endorse U.S. control of Gaza, he welcomed the shift in thinking. He acknowledged that Trump’s proposal could “reshape the Middle East.”

“[Israel has] three goals and the third goal is to make sure that Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again. President Trump is taking it to a much higher level. He sees a different future for that piece of land that has been the focus of so much terrorism, so many attacks against us, so many trials, and so many tribulations. He has a different idea, and I think it’s worth paying attention to,” Netanyahu said.

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