A Palestinian sits among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip February 4, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Global Condemnation Follows Trump’s Proposal for U.S. Takeover of Gaza
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States should take control of Gaza and develop it into a luxury resort destination after resettling the Palestinian population elsewhere has sparked widespread international condemnation. The proposal marks a radical departure from longstanding U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has been criticized by multiple world leaders.
International Backlash
Governments from Russia, China, Germany, and Saudi Arabia have rejected the idea, with Germany stating that it would bring “new suffering and new hatred.” Saudi Arabia, a key regional power, outright dismissed the plan, emphasizing that Palestinians must not be displaced from their homeland.
Trump, a former real estate developer, claimed the proposal would create a “Riviera of the Middle East” in Gaza, devastated by over 15 months of Israeli bombardment that has killed more than 47,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials.
“Everybody loves it,” Trump said at the White House on Wednesday, despite widespread opposition.
Middle East Leaders Reject Proposal
Trump’s remarks put Israel in a difficult position with its Arab neighbors. Jordan’s King Abdullah firmly rejected any plans for annexation or forced displacement of Palestinians. Egypt also distanced itself from the idea, emphasizing its support for Gaza’s reconstruction following the recent ceasefire, but only with Palestinians remaining in their territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has avoided direct comments on the proposal but praised Trump’s efforts to explore new solutions. Israeli far-right figures, such as former minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have expressed support for the idea of encouraging Palestinian emigration.
Palestinian Reaction: ‘We Are Not Leaving’
The proposal has been met with outrage among Palestinians, who see it as an attempt at permanent displacement.
“Trump can go to hell, with his ideas, his money, and his beliefs. We are going nowhere. We are not some of his assets,” said Samir Abu Basel, a Gaza City resident.
Many Palestinians fear a repeat of the 1948 Nakba (“catastrophe”), when hundreds of thousands were forcibly displaced following the establishment of Israel.
“We have taught our children that they cannot leave their home and they cannot allow a second Nakba,” said Um Tamer Jamal, a 65-year-old mother of six.
Impact on U.S. Middle East Policy
Trump’s expansionist rhetoric—including previous suggestions that the U.S. take over Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even absorb Canada as a 51st state—has raised concerns that such statements could embolden other nations, such as Russia in Ukraine or China regarding Taiwan.
The proposal also challenges the longstanding U.S. commitment to a two-state solution, which envisions Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state alongside the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
However, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz attempted to downplay concerns, stating that Trump’s comments did not necessarily mean “the end of the two-state solution.”
Saudi Arabia and U.S.-Israel Relations
Trump’s remarks come as the U.S. attempts to broker a historic normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made it clear that there will be no recognition of Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state, contradicting Trump’s claim that Saudi Arabia does not demand Palestinian sovereignty as part of the negotiations.
While the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia has remained firm on its position.
Future Uncertainty
Trump has not provided specifics on whether his proposal is a serious policy initiative or a negotiation tactic. He has announced plans to visit Gaza, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, though no dates have been set.
Despite the international backlash, Trump remains firm in his approach, continuing to push ideas that challenge diplomatic norms in the Middle East. Whether the proposal gains traction or remains a controversial statement remains to be seen.
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