President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States should assume control of the Gaza Strip and permanently resettle its Palestinian inhabitants faced immediate backlash from both allies and adversaries on Wednesday.
During a White House press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who appeared supportive throughout, Trump articulated plans to establish new settlements for Palestinians outside Gaza. He emphasized the U.S. taking “ownership” of the area, aiming to transform the conflict-ravaged region into what he dubbed “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do an extraordinary job with it,” Trump declared. He elaborated that the U.S. would be responsible for removing unexploded bombs, clearing wreckage, and creating economic opportunities that would generate numerous jobs for the local population.
Such comments prompted immediate criticism and are expected to complicate ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
In response, China voiced its opposition to the idea of forcibly relocating Gazans. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China has consistently supported the premise of Palestinian governance as essential for post-conflict management in Gaza and reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli dispute.
Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, lauded Trump’s comments as a “bold action toward achieving enduring peace in Gaza.” Johnson expressed hope that these measures would bring much-needed stability and security to the region through a post on social media.
Conversely, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a leader of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, condemned Trump’s remarks as indicative of “American arrogance,” suggesting such proposals would only succeed if the Arab nations were to comply. He stated that Yemen would support any challenge to U.S. authority posed by Egypt or Jordan, highlighting the Houthis’ previous military actions against Israel and maritime traffic in the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Additionally, Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, expressed his support for Trump’s vision for Gaza, opining that the region “MUST BE FREE from Hamas.” He referred to the initiative as a way for the United States to “Make Gaza Beautiful Again,” echoing Trump’s previous campaign slogan. Rubio affirmed that the U.S. is poised to lead efforts toward lasting peace for all citizens in the region.
However, Trump’s comments were met with immediate rejection from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations, which have long advocated for Palestinian independence within Gaza and the West Bank, envisioning east Jerusalem as its capital.
