We examine Trump’s proposal for Gaza, his statements and the responses it has generated.
President Donald Trump ignited a firestorm of controversy with his latest remarks suggesting that the US should “take over” and “own” Gaza.
We take a look at what he proposed and reactions to it.
Trump has made controversial claims about Gaza, primarily around the idea that the US should take control of the territory, remove its people, and “redevelop” it.
His key points:
Palestinians in Gaza have reacted with anger and rejection to Trump’s comments.
Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, has called Trump’s idea “ridiculous and absurd”.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, whose mandate extends over parts of the occupied West Bank, said this was a “serious violation of international law”.
In the same news conference where Trump made these comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended them as innovative, and that they were thought on “a much higher level” and were a path worth exploring.
Israel says Gaza poses a threat to its security, and a key objective of the ongoing war is to eliminate any potential future threats.
No, he can’t.
What has Trump said about his ‘plan’ in Gaza?
Trump does not have the legal, military, or diplomatic power to enforce his idea.
No authority over Gaza: Gaza is not US territory, and the US has no jurisdiction there. Also, experts argue, the US wouldn’t commit the financial and logistical resources to do this.
Neighbouring countries do not agree: Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have explicitly rejected the idea, and the US can’t force them to accept it. However, Egypt and Jordan are very reliant on US aid and may need to start looking elsewhere for funding to get away from the US.
Egypt: Strongly opposes any forced relocation of Palestinians. Egyptian officials said they are working on a “comprehensive vision” for the reconstruction of Gaza that does not involve displacement.
Jordan: King Abdullah II has rejected Trump’s idea. “This is the unified Arab position,” he said in a post on X. “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
Saudi Arabia: The Foreign Ministry said it rejected any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land and described its stance as “clear and explicit” as well as non-negotiable.
For more reactions, read this piece.
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