Trump’s Controversial Proposal for Gaza Sparks Reaction

President Donald Trump has stirred significant debate with his recent comments regarding the future of Palestinians in Gaza. He stated that his plan would deny Palestinians the right to return to their homes, which starkly contrasts with earlier suggestions from his administration that a temporary relocation might be on the table.

In a recent interview with FOX News’ Bret Baier, Trump was direct when asked about the possibility of Palestinians returning to Gaza, responding with a definitive, “No, they wouldn’t.” This came shortly after he proposed that the United States should take over Gaza and develop it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” His remarks have raised eyebrows as he increases pressure on nearby Arab countries, particularly allies like Jordan and Egypt, to host Palestinians who consider Gaza their rightful homeland.

“We’ll create secure communities, situated a bit away from the danger zones,” Trump elaborated. “In the meantime, I would take ownership of this area. Imagine it as a real estate project for the future—an exquisite piece of land with minimal financial investment.”

Trump’s proposal has not been well-received by Arab nations, especially with his comments emerging just before a scheduled meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House. Both Egypt and Jordan have voiced their apprehensions regarding the potential repercussions for the long-standing aspiration of achieving a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as security concerns tied to accepting large numbers of refugees, even on a temporary basis.

His remarks could further complicate the already delicate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has held for 15 months. Current discussions emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

In response to Trump’s statements, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the intention behind the plan was to temporarily relocate Palestinians from Gaza during an “interim” phase, which would allow for cleanup, disposal of unexploded ordnance, and reconstruction activities.

Additionally, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of deploying U.S. troops to help stabilize the area, but he has made it clear that no American funds would be allocated for Gaza’s reconstruction, raising significant questions about the feasibility of his proposed plan.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty noted that there appears to be a “consensus among Arab nations” against the idea of displacing Palestinians, as Trump continues to promote their relocation from Gaza.

Abdelatty stressed the necessity of a political resolution to the Palestinian issue, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and emphasizing the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, as stated by the Egyptian foreign ministry.

A senior Hamas official condemned Trump’s comments about U.S. control over Gaza, calling them “absurd.”

Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, remarked that such statements reflect a serious misunderstanding of both the Palestinian reality and the broader regional context.

In a statement released by Hamas, he argued that Trump’s approach is destined to fail. “Treating the Palestinian cause like a real estate deal is a guaranteed route to catastrophe,” he asserted. “Our Palestinian people will resist all efforts at transfer and deportation.”