Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza, Suggests Military Presence

Trump suggests that the United States should control Gaza and that a military presence may be required.

Washington D.C. – During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump unexpectedly suggested that the United States should control the Gaza Strip and transform it into a ‘Riviera’. During a press conference at the White House, Trump suggested that American troops may be deployed to secure the area, which could change the direction of future U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Gaza: Trump’s Vision for the Region

From the White House, Trump emphasized that Gaza, largely decimated by ongoing conflict, should be rebuilt by the United States.

“We will take over Gaza and do a job with it,” Trump declared.
“We’ll remove unexploded ordnance, level the damaged areas, and make it something beautiful.”

When asked whether American military forces would be involved in the effort, Trump did not eliminate the possibility:

“If needed, we will deploy troops. We will do what is required.”

This marks a dramatic shift from the position Trump took at the beginning of his presidency, when he sought to avoid American involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. His proposal introduces legal, diplomatic, and financial challenges regarding how such a plan could be executed.

A Divisive Proposal

Trump’s remarks immediately drew reactions from the international community. The idea of additional Palestinian refugees being absorbed by Egypt and Jordan was rejected outright, with Palestinian leaders denouncing the proposal as “forced displacement.”

One Arab diplomat pointed out:

“The fact remains that 1.8 million people in Gaza do not want to accept such an initiative and will not accept it.”

However, Trump persisted, insisting that Gazans should seek resettlement instead of returning to conflict zones:

“What do they have to lose? Gaza has been a living hell for them.”

He did not rule out the possibility of allowing some Palestinians to return but downplayed the likelihood of Gaza becoming their permanent home.

Reaction from U.S. and Israeli Officials

Trump’s proposal has divided opinion in Washington. Some conservative lawmakers applauded the bold strategy, while others, including members of his own party, voiced skepticism.

Senator Lindsey Graham responded cautiously:

“We’ll see what our Arab allies say. I don’t think most Americans are going to be real excited to deploy U.S. troops to seize Gaza.”

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who stood beside Trump during the speech, did not endorse the plan but expressed gratitude for Trump’s continued support of Israel’s military operations.

Future Implications

Trump’s proposal introduces new complications to Middle East diplomacy. The prospect of a U.S. takeover of Gaza may derail ongoing peace negotiations between Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, particularly as they push for a two-state solution.

Additionally, Iran remains a key factor. Reports suggest that Netanyahu may have used the meeting to gauge Trump’s position on a potential Israeli military strike against Iran.

As Trump navigates his final term, his foreign policy stance will likely remain a hotly debated topic. Whether this Gaza takeover plan evolves into an actual policy or remains a campaign promise is yet to be seen.