DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for the United States to “take over” the Gaza Strip and permanently relocate its Palestinian inhabitants has been met with swift backlash from both American allies and adversaries alike.
During a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a vision to transform Gaza into what he referred to as “the Riviera of the Middle East.” He suggested the U.S. would take “ownership” of the territory, including the responsibility of clearing unexploded ordnance and revitalizing the area with new economic opportunities. “We’ll ensure it’s safe and create endless job possibilities,” Trump stated, expressing his vision for the devastated region.
These remarks surfaced amid a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, during which the militant organization was engaging in a hostage exchange with Israel. Major Middle Eastern allies like Egypt and Jordan promptly dismissed the proposal to displace over two million Palestinians, with Egypt’s Foreign Ministry highlighting the urgency of rebuilding Gaza without evacuating its residents.
Saudi Arabia, a key ally of the United States, responded with a strongly-worded statement reinforcing its commitment to an independent Palestinian state and denouncing any infringement on Palestinian rights. “The kingdom reiterates its unwavering stance against any measures that compromise the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” stated the Saudi government.
International reactions included renewed assertions from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and China, all advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Australia’s position hasn’t changed over the years; it’s clear and consistent,” noted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Previously, Trump has made controversial suggestions such as purchasing Greenland and exploring the annexation of Canada, raising questions about whether his Gaza proposal represents a well-considered plan or just a preliminary negotiation tactic. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed concern regarding Trump’s comments, advising evaluation based on actions rather than words.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned Trump’s proposal, emphasizing that any plans for deportations from Gaza would not be acceptable to Turkey or the broader region, labeling such thoughts as “absurd.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the United Nations to safeguard the rights of Palestinians, stating that Trump’s proposition would seriously violate international law.
In Lebanon, Palestinian refugee representatives in Mar Elias camp labeled Trump’s plan as unfeasible, arguing that it stemmed from exploiting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Fathi Kallab, a member of a Palestinian political faction, reiterated that displacement under humanitarian pretenses could constitute a war crime according to various international bodies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer referred to harrowing images of Palestinians returning through the rubble to what remains of their homes, affirming their right to rebuild as part of a pathway to a two-state solution. Hamas, which initiated the conflict with an attack on October 7, criticized Trump’s idea as a “recipe for chaos and unrest,” asserting that it rewards the ongoing occupation instead of holding it accountable for its transgressions.
The impact of the conflict has been devastating; approximately 1,200 people in Israel were killed in the Hamas assault, primarily civilians, leading to around 250 kidnappings. Israel’s subsequent military actions have resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian fatalities, comprising a significant portion of women and children, according to local health officials, while approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced.
Within the United States, opposition figures quickly denounced Trump’s suggestions, with Democratic Senator Chris Coons calling them “offensive, insane, dangerous, and foolish.” Coons warned about the potential global implications of such statements, highlighting the absurdity of moving away from established humanitarian programs while proposing to tackle one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises.
Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American from Michigan, accused Trump of advocating for “ethnic cleansing” through his proposal for resettling the entire population of Gaza.
