Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States plans to “take over” the Gaza Strip, suggesting a dramatic shift in U.S. policy on the region. Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated that America would assume responsibility for clearing unexploded ordnance, leveling destroyed buildings, and potentially overseeing the area’s future development.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump declared. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings.”
When asked if he was willing to send U.S. troops to secure Gaza, Trump did not rule it out. “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary,” he said. “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”
A Surprising Move for Trump
Trump’s remarks mark a stark departure from his previous stance against prolonged U.S. military entanglements in the Middle East. The former real estate mogul also suggested a long-term American presence in Gaza, claiming it could bring “great stability” to the region.
“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump said, adding that he had spent months studying the issue.
According to Trump, the idea of U.S. control over Gaza had received widespread support. “Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent,” he asserted.
Call for Palestinian Relocation
Earlier in the day, Trump suggested that Gazans should permanently leave the strip and be relocated elsewhere in the Middle East.
“I mean, they’re there because they have no alternative. What do they have? It is a big pile of rubble right now,” Trump said before meeting Netanyahu in the Oval Office.
He further proposed that Palestinians should be given a “good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” instead of returning to Gaza, though he did not specify where.
“I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza. I think Gaza has been very unlucky for them,” he said. “Gaza is not a place for people to be living.”
Trump’s comments are likely to spark backlash from Palestinian leaders and neighboring countries, many of which have rejected the idea of absorbing more Palestinian refugees.
Netanyahu’s Response
During the Oval Office meeting, Netanyahu appeared to approve of Trump’s remarks, smiling as the U.S. president spoke. The Israeli leader, under pressure from both domestic and international parties, was in Washington to discuss the next steps for Gaza following a ceasefire agreement struck last month.
Trump has taken credit for helping broker the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has been vocal about his role in facilitating hostage releases. However, the next phases of the three-step ceasefire plan remain uncertain.
Netanyahu praised Trump’s leadership, saying, “I think President Trump added great force and powerful leadership to this effort.”
While the two leaders showcased a united front, Trump’s radical proposal for U.S. control over Gaza is expected to generate significant global debate in the days ahead.
