Femi Ashekun/
Donald Trump has declared the United States would “take over” and redevelop the Gaza Strip, with plans to permanently resettle its 2.2 million residents in countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Speaking at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described the proposal as a transformative plan to reshape the Middle East.
“We’ll take over the Gaza Strip, dismantle the dangerous bombs, and create thousands of jobs,” Trump said. “It could become the Riviera of the Middle East.”
The remarks, which signal a drastic shift in US policy, drew sharp criticism from Arab leaders and international observers.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry rejected the idea of Palestinian displacement, reaffirming its commitment to an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The proposal also reignited concerns over echoes of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced.
Netanyahu supported Trump’s vision, calling it “worth paying attention to” and highlighting its potential to alter the region’s future.
Meanwhile, Egyptian and Jordanian officials rebuffed the plan, signaling resistance to hosting displaced Palestinians.
Hamas labeled Trump’s comments a “recipe for chaos,” while far-right Israeli leaders praised the idea.
Critics warned that the plan could require a prolonged US military presence and billions in funding, drawing comparisons to the failed nation-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The proposal’s feasibility remains uncertain as Trump faces backlash from allies and skepticism about resettlement logistics.
Regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah, are expected to meet Trump to oppose the plan.
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