Trump proposes the US taking ownership of Gaza Strip

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed a controversial idea: the U.S. should take over and rebuild the Gaza Strip. This came after his previous statement suggesting Palestinians should be relocated from the area. This series of remarks has sparked widespread attention and discussion within the international community, raising concerns about the region's future.

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, "The United States will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do it well." Netanyahu responded that the idea was "worthy of attention." This followed a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at the White House. The specific implementation methods and potential impacts of Trump's proposal have become the focus of attention for all parties involved, particularly concerning regional stability.

Trump also expressed his vision of "long-term ownership," stating, "We will own it, and we will be responsible for removing all dangerous unexploded ordnance and other weapons from the area." He added, "Everyone loves this idea," and the U.S. would "create economic development, providing an unlimited number of jobs and housing for the people of the region." Trump even suggested it could become the "Riviera of the Middle East," aiming to transform the region into a prosperous hub.

When asked by a reporter whether Palestinians leaving Gaza would be allowed to return in the future, Trump responded, "People live there. People from all over the world," adding that this included Palestinians. However, the proposal immediately drew criticism from some U.S. lawmakers, who explicitly opposed the idea of the U.S. owning Gaza. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy stated on social media, "I'm telling you—we are not taking over Gaza," reflecting the growing opposition to the plan.

Saudi Arabia also issued a statement reaffirming its "unwavering" commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state, emphasizing that "permanent and just peace cannot be achieved without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights." Netanyahu remained open to the idea, telling reporters that Israel's focus was on ensuring the region no longer posed a threat to its country. He added that Trump "saw a different future for Gaza," and stated, "I think this could change history," suggesting a potential turning point in the region's trajectory.

For Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, the visit undoubtedly provided an opportunity to enhance his international image. Washington does not recognize the International Criminal Court and therefore has no obligation to detain Netanyahu, strongly condemning the court's actions. On the other hand, the Trump administration had previously taken a series of measures detrimental to the Palestinians, including withdrawing from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Gaza Strip is a narrow region located between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea, home to nearly 2 million people, most of whom are Palestinians living in refugee camps. Prior to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Gaza faced extremely high unemployment rates, with the majority of the population living below the poverty line and dependent on food aid for survival. The subsequent war has resulted in the deaths of over 46,600 people in the Gaza Strip, including a significant number of women and children, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Trump's comments followed his proposal last month that Egypt and Jordan could receive Palestinians from Gaza. This idea was rejected by Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These countries stated that such plans "threaten the stability of the region, could expand the conflict, and undermine the prospects for peace and coexistence among its people." Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon stated that unless Hamas agreed to "expel" its leaders from Gaza, Israel would have "no choice" but to resume the war, highlighting the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues.