On February 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposed a radical solution to the Gaza conflict: a U.S. “takeover” of the Gaza Strip, clearing the rubble and redeveloping it into a prosperous economic hub. Trump also suggested relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Global Outrage and Rejection
Trump’s proposal faced widespread condemnation. Arab nations, European capitals, and human rights organizations decried it as ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law. Critics argued it would worsen the humanitarian crisis and destabilize the Middle East.
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Jordan’s King Abdullah II rejected the idea, stressing the need to halt Israeli settlement expansion and opposing any attempts to displace Palestinians.
Even within Trump’s base, reactions were mixed. Some viewed it as impractical, while others saw it as a strategy to pressure Arab nations to contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction. Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, attempted to soften the backlash, emphasizing the “humanitarian” intentions behind the proposal.
A Deeper Look: What’s Behind Trump’s Plan?
Several possible motivations could be behind Trump’s proposal:
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A Political Bargaining Chip?
Trump might be using the proposal as leverage to pressure Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to finance Gaza’s reconstruction. These states have been reluctant to bear the costs of Middle Eastern crises, and the plan could force them to act. -
Appeasing the Israeli Far Right
The proposal aligns with the far-right stance of Netanyahu’s government, who have long advocated for the displacement of Palestinians. Israeli politicians, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, have even discussed strategies for mass Palestinian migration from Gaza.Read more: Trump threatens to ‘let hell break out’ in Gaza -
A Real Estate Dream?
As a businessman, Trump may see Gaza’s redevelopment as a real estate opportunity. His associates, like Jared Kushner, have previously floated ideas about transforming Gaza into an economic hub, though the cost and time required would be immense. -
A Rash, Unworkable Plan?
Trump’s proposal may be another instance of him making grand statements without considering practical implications. His approach seems to combine disparate ideas, from the removal of Hamas to the dream of turning Gaza into a Dubai-like zone.
The Bigger Picture: What Happens Next?
Trump’s suggestion has sparked debate, but its implementation seems unlikely due to logistical, legal, and political challenges. It may be more of a political move to rally his base, pressure Arab nations, and align with Israel’s far-right, rather than a serious policy proposal. Whether it fades away like other controversial Trump proposals or has lasting geopolitical repercussions remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: forcibly relocating Palestinians and proposing a U.S. takeover of Gaza is a recipe for further conflict and instability.