Gambiaj.com – (WASHINGTON, DC) — In a stunning declaration, President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed that the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip—potentially with the deployment of American troops—while asserting that Palestinians should relocate elsewhere. The remarks, delivered during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have ignited global condemnation and raised significant geopolitical concerns.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said, outlining a vision to transform the war-torn enclave into a new “Riviera.” He added that the United States would be responsible for removing unexploded ordnance, leveling the area, and constructing new developments.

When asked if he was considering sending US troops to secure the territory, Trump did not rule it out. “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece, and we’re going to develop it,” he said.

Trump’s remarks mark an extraordinary shift in US policy, contradicting his previous stance of opposing American military entanglements in the Middle East. His comments raise legal, financial, and diplomatic questions about how such a takeover would be implemented and how it aligns with international law.

“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 told reporters. “This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.”

Regional Backlash

Trump’s assertion that Palestinians should not return to Gaza has drawn sharp rebukes from Palestinian leaders and neighboring countries. Hamas spokesman Izzat Al-Rishq condemned Trump’s comments as evidence of his “deep ignorance” of the region, while Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary general of the Palestinian National Initiative, denounced them as a “call for ethnic cleansing, which is a war crime.”

Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, reiterated its commitment to a Palestinian state and stated that normalization of relations with Israel remains contingent on such guarantees. Egypt and Jordan also rejected any suggestion of absorbing additional Palestinian refugees.

Israel’s political leaders, meanwhile, responded with mixed reactions. While members of the ruling coalition welcomed the proposal, opposition leader Yair Lapid called it “good for Israel” but cautioned that the details required further scrutiny.

A Real Estate Vision for Gaza

Trump, a former real estate developer, framed his Gaza proposal in economic terms, envisioning a transformed territory that could generate thousands of jobs. “Palestinians also. Palestinians will live there. Many people will live there,” he said, though his broader comments suggested he did not view Gaza as a permanent home for its displaced residents.

His suggestion that Gazans relocate elsewhere was met with criticism from journalists in the White House press room. “Why would they want to return?” Trump asked, brushing off a reporter who pointed out, “Because it’s their home.” Instead, Trump suggested that Palestinian refugees be provided with a “good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” in another location.

Strategic and Diplomatic Implications

Trump’s comments come as he seeks to position himself as a key architect of Middle East diplomacy, with aspirations of securing a broader Israeli-Arab normalization agreement, particularly with Saudi Arabia. However, his assertion of US control over Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians may complicate such efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the idea, emphasizing that the kingdom remains committed to a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. “Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that,” the ministry stated.

While Trump praised his own role in the recent ceasefire negotiations, his remarks on Tuesday have cast doubt on his ability to navigate the delicate diplomatic terrain of the Middle East. “We’ll see what happens,” he said, referring to ongoing efforts to secure a long-term truce in Gaza. “We’re dealing with very complicated people, but a deal can absolutely get done.”

However, for many in the region and beyond, Trump’s proposal signals not a deal but a deepening of the conflict.