Trump proposes notion of US-led redevelopment, resettlement plan for Gaza
Former President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States take charge of rebuilding Gaza and relocating displaced Palestinians outside the war-ravaged region.
Trump's comments about taking control of Gaza, made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, come as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with international leaders expressing concerns over the potential consequences of such a plan, as Newsmax reports.
Trump Calls for Permanent Palestinian Relocation
Speaking at the White House alongside Netanyahu, Trump suggested that Palestinians who have been displaced due to ongoing conflict in Gaza should not return. He argued that the territory is uninhabitable and that relocation would provide them with a safer and more stable future.
"I don't think people should be going back. You can't live in Gaza right now," Trump said, adding that Palestinians "have no alternative" but to leave.
According to Trump, countries such as Egypt and Jordan could play a role in absorbing Palestinian refugees. However, leaders from both nations, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League, have all rejected similar proposals in the past.
Proposed U.S. Leadership in Redevelopment
Trump also put forward the idea that the United States should assume "ownership" over Gaza’s redevelopment, envisioning a transformation that would turn the area into "the Riviera of the Middle East." He insisted that the U.S. would ensure world-class reconstruction efforts, making the region prosperous for Palestinians.
"We'll make sure that it's done world-class," he said. "It'll be wonderful for the people -- Palestinians, Palestinians mostly, we're talking about."
His remarks were met with skepticism, as critics pointed out that such a move would have major geopolitical and security implications. The notion of American troops being deployed to stabilize the region has also been raised, though it remains uncertain whether this would be politically viable.
International Leaders React to Trump's Plan
The idea of relocating Palestinians has been widely condemned by international and regional leaders. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II firmly rejected the suggestion that their countries should absorb large numbers of displaced people from Gaza.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu, who is facing growing political challenges at home, did not publicly comment on Trump’s resettlement idea. However, he welcomed Trump’s engagement in Middle East affairs, stating, "I'll just tell you, I am happy they are here."
Netanyahu’s visit to Washington came at a politically sensitive time, as he deals with declining support within Israel and an ongoing corruption trial. His trip also marked his first international visit since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against him and other officials.
Ceasefire Talks Continue Amid Political Pressure
Trump’s remarks came as negotiations between Israel and Hamas intensified over extending the current ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. Hamas has regained control over Gaza during the ceasefire and insists it will not release additional hostages unless Israel fully withdraws its forces.
However, Netanyahu is facing pressure from hard-right members of his government, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who are urging him to abandon the ceasefire and resume military operations against Hamas. Despite these internal divisions, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would send a delegation to Qatar to continue indirect negotiations with Hamas.
Trump Revisits Stance on Palestinian Statehood
Trump also hinted that he may reconsider his previous stance on an independent Palestinian state, suggesting that recent events have altered the landscape of Middle East diplomacy. "Well, a lot of plans change with time. A lot of death has occurred since I left and now came back," Trump said when asked about his position.
His Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, also expressed skepticism about the timeline of reconstruction efforts, criticizing current estimates that it would take three to five years to rebuild Gaza. "To me, it is unfair to explain to Palestinians that they might be back in five years. That's just preposterous," Witkoff said.
Trump Strengthens Stance on Iran
In addition to discussing Gaza, Trump signed an executive order aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran. The move reinforces his administration’s long-standing position against allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons. "We're not going to allow them to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.
Iran remains a key concern in broader Middle East security discussions, particularly as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised tensions across the region.
Concerns Over U.S. Involvement in Gaza
Trump’s proposal to take a leading role in Gaza’s redevelopment has sparked debate over the feasibility and consequences of U.S. involvement. His suggestion that American forces could be deployed to stabilize the area raises further questions about the long-term military and political commitments that such a move would require.
"We'll do what is necessary," Trump said when asked whether U.S. troops might be involved.
As discussions over Gaza’s future continue, Trump’s remarks have added another layer of complexity to an already delicate situation. With ceasefire negotiations still ongoing and international leaders weighing their responses, the fate of the region remains uncertain.