WASHINGTON/PARIS:President Donald Trump’s proposal to have the US take control of the war-torn Gaza Strip and transform it into a “Riviera of the Middle East” has drawn widespread global condemnation, breaking with established US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump’s plan, which suggests relocating Palestinians elsewhere, has sparked harsh criticism from international powers, including Russia, China, and Germany, who argue it would lead to “new suffering and new hatred.” Regional leader Saudi Arabia swiftly rejected the idea.
Trump, a former real estate developer, suggested the creation of a peaceful resort for international communities to co-exist, following the devastation caused by over 15 months of Israeli bombardment that resulted in the deaths of more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to local reports.
It’s unclear if Trump plans to push forward with the controversial proposal or if it’s a strategic move. He mentioned a potential visit to Gaza, Israel, and Saudi Arabia but did not provide a timeline. “Everybody loves it,” Trump said, referring to his Gaza plan.
Michael Milshtein, a former intelligence officer and expert on Hamas, warned that Trump’s comments could put Israel at odds with its Arab neighbors. “Trump might be pressuring Arab states not to oppose potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.”
Trump did not offer detailed plans during his announcement while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. He said discussions were ongoing with Jordan, Egypt, and other regional nations.
Netanyahu, meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, refrained from commenting specifically on the Gaza proposal but praised Trump for exploring new approaches.
Jordan’s King Abdullah rejected any move to annex land or displace Palestinians, and Egypt reaffirmed its support for Gaza recovery without requiring Palestinians to leave. Palestinians in Gaza, living amidst the rubble of their homes, strongly rejected Trump’s proposal. “Trump can go to hell,” said Samir Abu Basel, a Gaza City resident. “We are not his assets.”
World leaders continued to support the two-state solution, which has been central to US policy for decades, advocating that Gaza be part of a future Palestinian state alongside the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz downplayed the idea that the US was abandoning its long-standing Middle East policy, noting that the president did not dismiss the two-state solution.
Hamas, the militant group that controlled Gaza before the conflict, called Trump’s proposal “ridiculous and absurd” and warned it could ignite further tensions in the region. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official, reiterated the group’s commitment to a ceasefire with Israel and the ongoing negotiations. Trump’s proposal also seems to go against US public opinion, with polls showing a significant reluctance for further military involvement in conflict zones after extended interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
