Janice R. Andrews
In a surprising announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans for Gaza to be “turned over” to the United States by Israel once the ongoing conflict concludes. Trump shared the details on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that no U.S. soldiers would be required for the proposed redevelopment of the war-torn region.
Trump first introduced the controversial plan during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week. He stated that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, remove unexploded bombs, clear rubble, and rebuild the area. “We’ll own it,” Trump declared, sparking widespread criticism from Palestinians, Arab governments, and global leaders.
Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down on his proposal, suggesting that two million Palestinians would be resettled in safer, modern communities across the Middle East. He claimed these new settlements would offer Palestinians a chance to live “happy, safe, and free” lives. Trump also envisioned Gaza’s transformation into a world-class development project, constructed with the help of international teams.
However, the plan has been met with skepticism and confusion. Trump’s administration appeared to backtrack on Wednesday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarifying that the proposal was “not meant to be hostile.” The White House also denied any commitment to deploying U.S. troops or permanently displacing Palestinians.
Reports from The New York Times revealed that Trump’s plan was hastily conceived, catching both his staff and Israeli officials off guard. The proposal lacked prior discussions with the Pentagon or State Department, raising questions about its feasibility.
Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister has ordered the military to prepare for “voluntary” departures from Gaza, signaling potential alignment with Trump’s vision. As the international community reacts to these developments, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, with Trump’s bold claims adding a new layer of complexity to the region’s ongoing challenges.
