Former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial plan on Tuesday, proposing that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip, resettle Palestinians in other countries—regardless of their consent—and transform the territory into what he described as “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Trump made the unexpected announcement during a joint press conference at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing audible gasps from those in attendance.
The proposal, lacking specific details on how over two million Palestinians would be relocated or how Gaza would be governed, included plans to remove unexploded ordnance, clear rubble, and redevelop the region economically.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it,” Trump declared.
He claimed to have support from “the highest leadership” in the Middle East and increased pressure on Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians—despite both nations firmly rejecting the idea.
Suggesting a long-term U.S. presence, Trump said his vision for Gaza would make it “something magnificent.”
