DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The recent proposal by President Donald Trump to have the United States assume control of the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian inhabitants was met with immediate dismissal and criticism from both U.S. allies and opponents on Wednesday.
During a press conference at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined his plan, which included constructing new settlements for Palestinians outside Gaza and having the U.S. take “ownership” in the redevelopment of the region, envisioned as “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
“The U.S. will take control of the Gaza Strip and we will execute this task effectively,” Trump stated. He further explained that the U.S. would manage the dismantling of any unexploded ordnance, clear destroyed buildings, and enhance the region to foster economic growth and create numerous job opportunities.
These remarks came as a tenuous ceasefire existed between Israel and Hamas, during which Hamas was in the process of releasing hostages in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.
Many regional allies, such as Egypt and Jordan, quickly rejected the notion of relocating over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza.
Saudi Arabia, a key ally of the United States, issued a strong statement reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The kingdom emphasized its opposition to any actions undermining the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly through Israeli settlement efforts or displacement tactics.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reiterated his country’s longstanding support for a two-state solution, asserting that Australia’s stance remains unchanged over the years.
The idea presented by Trump has drawn scrutiny, especially given his previous controversial suggestions, including acquiring Greenland and annexing parts of Canada. It remains unclear whether Trump’s proposal for Gaza is a calculated strategy or a negotiation tactic.
Albanese, expressing his frustration, emphasized the importance of maintaining Australia’s position without responding daily to U.S. presidential comments. He stated, “My role is to uphold Australia’s stance.”
Similarly, New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry reinforced its commitment to a two-state solution and indicated that it would not comment on every proposition presented.
On the other hand, Hamas condemned Trump’s suggestion, labeling it a “recipe for chaos and tension” in the area. The militant group criticized the U.S. for failing to hold Israel accountable for what it described as genocide and displacement.
The violent conflict that Hamas initiated with an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in around 1,200 deaths, predominantly among civilians, along with approximately 250 hostages taken. Following this, Israeli military actions have reportedly led to over 47,000 Palestinian casualties, with a significant number being women and children. The ongoing hostilities have devastated urban areas and forced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to flee.
In the United States, opposition politicians were quick to condemn Trump’s remarks. Democratic Senator Chris Coons described the comments as “offensive, insane, dangerous, and foolish,” cautioning that such ideas could damage the perception of the U.S. as a stable partner on the global stage.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American congresswoman from Michigan, accused Trump of endorsing “ethnic cleansing” through the resettlement plan.
This unfolding situation reflects the complexities and sensitivities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, highlighting the challenges of reaching a definitive resolution amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns.
