Donald Trump’s recent comments about Gaza sparked outrage, with many accusing him of pushing for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
Standing next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said the U.S. would “take over” Gaza, suggesting Palestinians be relocated to nearby Arab countries and Gaza transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
His comments, backed by his administration, have sparked an uproar among human rights groups, U.S. politicians, and leaders around the world.
Trump claims the U.S. will take over Gaza
Trump fired off a bold statement, saying the U.S. would “take over” Gaza and “own it,” basically backing the idea of kicking Palestinians out of their own land.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”
He added, “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that, we’re going to take over that piece, we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of.”
Trump envisions Gaza as the Riviera of the Middle East
Trump, who’s had plenty of wild ideas before — like wanting to buy Greenland or suggesting Canada should be the 51st state — has now set his sights on Gaza. He thinks it could be the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
When asked who’d actually live in this fancy, redeveloped Gaza, he said it could be a place for “the world’s people.”
He added, “I don’t want to be cute, I don’t want to be a wise guy – but the Riviera of the Middle East … This could be something that could be so valuable, this could be so magnificent.”
Trump proposes resettling Palestinians in neighboring countries
Earlier that day, Trump, who used to be a real estate guy, floated another idea: moving the 2 million Palestinians who live in Gaza to nearby countries like Jordan and Egypt.
He said those countries should take in Palestinians because, according to him, they don’t have much choice but to leave Gaza. The place would need to be completely rebuilt after the immense destruction from the ongoing assault by Israel on Gaza.
And he didn’t just stop there — he said he’d be on board with resettling Palestinians “permanently,” which goes way beyond what he’s suggested before. Arab leaders have already made it clear they’re not on board with this.
Lack of details on the resettlement process
But here’s the thing — Trump didn’t actually explain how any of this would work. No details, no plan. His proposal seems to line up with what Israel’s far-right wants, but it clashes with Joe Biden’s stance, which is against mass displacement of Palestinians.
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Trump does not rule out military force
During the press conference, packed with reporters, someone asked if the plan would involve U.S. military force. Trump’s response? “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary,” and, “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”
But when pressed on how the U.S. could legally take over Gaza and occupy it long-term, he didn’t really answer.
Netanyahu praises Trump’s proposal
Standing right beside Trump, Netanyahu was all smiles. He called Trump “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” and said, “it’s worth paying attention to this” idea because it could be “something that could change history.”
Netanyahu even praised Trump’s “willingness to puncture conventional thinking,” saying his “outside the box” thinking will help them “achieve all these goals.”
U.S. lawmakers strongly criticize Trump’s plan
Back in the U.S., though, a lot of people weren’t having it. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who’s Palestinian-American, didn’t hold back.
Tlaib said, “Palestinians aren’t going anywhere. This president can only spew this fanatical bullshit because of bipartisan support in Congress for funding genocide and ethnic cleansing. It’s time for my two-state solution colleagues to speak up.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland also slammed Trump’s plan, saying, “Trump’s proposal to push 2 million Palestinians out of Gaza and take ‘ownership’ by force, if necessary, is simply ethnic cleansing by another name.”
Human rights groups condemn the proposal
Human rights organizations were quick to respond. The Council on American Islamic Relations said, “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not the United States, and President Trump’s call to expel Palestinians from their land is an absolute non-starter.”
Paul O’Brien from Amnesty International USA didn’t mince words either: “Removing all Palestinians from Gaza is tantamount to destroying them as a people. Gaza is their home. Gaza’s death and destruction is a result of the government of Israel killing civilians by the thousands, often with US bombs.”
Saudi Arabia rejects the displacement of Palestinians
Saudi wasn’t having it either. The government made it clear they’re against any efforts to push Palestinians off their land. They also said they won’t establish ties with Israel unless there’s a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian envoy to the UN reminded everyone that Palestinians want to stay in Gaza — it’s their home.
Hamas denounces Trump’s proposal
Of course, Hamas also condemned Trump’s plan, calling it an attempt to force Palestinians off their land.
Trump didn’t seem fazed, though. “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,” he said.
He even claimed that regional leaders were on board with his idea, saying, “Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.”
While some might find Trump’s idea bold, it’s hard to see how forcing Palestinians out of Gaza and turning it into a luxury hotspot could ever be a solution.
