In an unprecedented move, US President Donald Trump has announced his proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip, a region currently under the authority of Palestinian factions, including Hamas.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump characterized Gaza as a “demolition site” in need of extensive redevelopment.
The plan calls for the United States to oversee the clearing of unexploded ordnance, rebuilding of critical infrastructure, and the creation of jobs and housing.
Trump, known for his bold and sometimes divisive foreign policy proposals, suggested that the US could even deploy troops to Gaza if necessary to stabilize the area. “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” Trump told reporters.
He went on to describe his vision of Gaza’s transformation into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” a more prosperous and peaceful area, under US oversight.
One of the most controversial aspects of the plan involves the relocation of Gaza’s two million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
While Trump claimed that regional leaders were on board with the idea, he provided few details on how this relocation would be carried out.
The concept of resettling millions of Palestinians has sparked immediate backlash from various quarters, with critics condemning the idea as a form of ethnic cleansing.
They argue that forced displacement violates international law and would have dire consequences for the residents of Gaza.
Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have voiced strong objections.
Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, called the proposal “tantamount to destroying them as a people,” emphasizing that Gaza is home to its residents and that the devastation faced by the region is largely the result of Israeli military actions, often facilitated by US-made weapons.
Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, also condemned Trump’s remarks.
In a post on social media, Tlaib accused the president of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing” and highlighted the continued US military support for Israel.
This support has been a contentious issue, particularly after reports of civilian casualties in Gaza during Israeli airstrikes.
On the other side, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu offered his support for Trump’s proposal, praising it as “thinking outside the box” and offering fresh ideas for resolving the longstanding conflict.
Netanyahu referred to Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” in the White House, citing a series of pro-Israel policies during Trump’s first term.
In contrast, US lawmakers from the Democratic Party have been quick to criticize the proposal.
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut expressed outrage, stating on social media, “He’s totally lost it,” and emphasized that the US had no intention of taking over Gaza.
Fellow Democratic Senator Chris Coons described Trump’s suggestion as “insane” and argued that American troops would be met with fierce resistance, making any positive outcome unlikely.
Trump’s plan also has significant international implications. Both Egypt and Jordan, which have previously rejected proposals to resettle Palestinian refugees, are unlikely to welcome the idea.
Both countries have long been wary of any efforts that could alter the regional balance of power or undermine Palestinian rights.
Despite the criticism, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed strong support for the proposal, framing it as part of a broader effort to “Make Gaza Beautiful Again.”
Rubio, who has been vocal in his stance against Hamas, echoed Trump’s call for the complete eradication of the militant group, which has controlled Gaza for many years.
The proposal has ignited a fierce debate over the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East peace process.
While some see the US takeover as a potential solution to the ongoing violence in the region, others fear it could escalate tensions and undermine the rights of Palestinians.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether this bold idea will gain traction or become yet another controversial chapter in US foreign policy.
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