Donald Trump proposed a bold plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza in an effort to rebuild it into a thriving region, while also extending the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions and securing the release of hostages.
This plan, which involves relocating around 1.8 million Palestinians and possibly deploying U.S. troops to oversee redevelopment and security, has sparked outrage across the Middle East and beyond. Trump described Gaza as a “dangerous demolition site” following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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The proposal has led to strong reactions worldwide, marking a stark shift from long-established U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump emphasized that the U.S. would clear debris, dismantle unexploded weapons, and aim to transform Gaza into a prosperous international hub with global contributions.
Palestinian leaders, including Hamas, rejected the plan, calling it a “recipe for chaos” and firmly opposing the displacement of Palestinians, who have resisted similar efforts for over 15 months. The proposal has also faced widespread condemnation from political analysts, human rights advocates, and Democratic lawmakers, with accusations of violating international law and Palestinian sovereignty. Representative Rashida Tlaib labeled the plan as promoting ethnic cleansing, while Senator Chris Murphy dismissed it as a distraction from domestic issues.
Saudi Arabia also opposed Trump’s remarks, reiterating that any displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable and emphasizing that normalization of relations with Israel depends on the establishment of a Palestinian state. The controversial proposal has reignited discussions on the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Gaza remains a hotspot of conflict, where countless lives have been lost, and the region continues to bear the scars of violence, especially after the Israeli ground invasion in October 2023, which displaced millions.
